Current research is providing evidence that chiropractic is safe and effective for pain relief. Countless studies have been done showing that chiropractic can safely treat back pain, neck pain and sciatica. Now a new study from Switzerland has looked at the relative benefits of chiropractic compared to medical care for the most common types of pain issues. In this study, the authors examined data from people who reported spinal, hip or shoulder pain. 403 patients saw a medical doctor for relief; 316 people saw a chiropractor. Four months after treatment, the patients were asked to fill out a survey to report on their recovery.The authors found that:
- "Patients initially consulting medical doctors had significantly less reduction in their numerical pain rating score…”
- People who saw a medical doctor were significantly less satisfied with the care they received and the outcome of that care.
- Those who saw a chiropractor had significantly lower healthcare costs for their treatment.
The authors conclude that patients should first see a chiropractor for pain from musculoskeletal problems, rather than a medical doctor:
“The findings of this study support first-contact care provided by chiropractors as an alternative to first-contact care provided by medical doctors for a select number of musculoskeletal conditions. Restrictive models of care in which patients are required to contact a medical provider before consulting a chiropractic provider may be counterproductive for patients experiencing the musculoskeletal conditions investigated and possibly others. In addition to potentially reducing health care costs, direct access to chiropractic care may ease the workload on MDs, particularly in areas with poor medical coverage, and allow them to focus on complex cases. The minority of patients with complex health problems initially consulting a chiropractic provider would be referred to, or co-managed with, a medical provider to provide optimal care.”
Patrick Chiropractic in Raleigh has been providing excellent chiropractic care for over 30 years. Contact our office today at 919-790-2288 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dale Patrick. We look forward to helping you discover that chiropractic is safe and effective for pain relief.
