Back to basics: Chiropractors offer evidence-based care for back pain

Back pain remains one of the most pervasive and disabling conditions worldwide. It is one of the most common reasons that patients visit their doctors and one of the most prevalent conditions for which doctors prescribe pain medications, including opioids.

In response to the opioid epidemic and new research, many health care organizations have reconsidered the value of a conservative, non-drug approach to pain. Updated back pain treatment guidelines released this year by the American College of Physicians support the use of conservative therapies, such as spinal manipulation, for low back pain before the use of drug therapies. Chiropractors are experts in spinal manipulation and trained to offer ergonomic, lifestyle and nutrition counseling to help patients strengthen their spines, enhance overall health and prevent back pain.

“For a common condition such as low back pain, health care consumers should be aware that there are safe and effective non-drug treatment options available to them,” said ACA President David Herd, DC. “It’s just as important for people to know they can take simple but significant steps in their daily lives to help prevent back injuries and back pain.”

A “Back to Basics” toolkit, with resources and ideas on how to participate, will be available in September. For updates on the #BacktoBasics campaign as October approaches, visitwww.acatoday.org/NCHM and follow ACA on Twitter at @ACAtoday, Facebook and Instagram.