South Dakotans are high users of chiropractic

South Dakota residents are among the highest users of chiropractic in the nation and when they experience back pain, they are more likely to go to a chiropractor first rather than to a medical doctor, according to a survey commissioned by the South Dakota Chiropractors’ Association as part of its “Free choice Initiative.”

The survey showed that 43.7 percent they would first go to a chiropractor to get back pain treated before turning to other therapies. And 34 percent said they had visited a chiropractor during the past 12 months.

“The numbers are up from earlier surveys,” said Dr. Allen Unruh, president of the association. “I believe it reflects a growing unease among the public concerning the risks and effectiveness of prescription drugs and back surgery.

The survey showed that insurance carriers are out of touch with the people, asserts Unruh. “Almost 77 percent of those surveyed said they believe that insurance companies and health plans should pay for chiropractic and medical care equally for the same service. There is entrenched discrimination by third-party payers against chiropractic care,” said Unruh. “Patients who wish to avoid drugs and surgery are financially penalized. Our Free Choice Initiative is designed to change that.”

Source: South Dakota Chiropractic Association

Industry News from:
Chiropractic News from: