A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine showcases the impact chiropractic care for veterans has on opioid prescriptions in Veterans Health Administration patients receiving low back pain care.
The study incorporated a total of more than 128,000 patients, over 7,000 of whom received chiropractic care. The research, a Foundation for Chiropractic Progress press release noted, found that chiropractic users were 23% less likely to receive an opioid prescription than non-users. In addition, over a 12-month period, only 13% of chiropractic users filled an opioid prescription compared to nearly 17% of those who didn’t see a DC, the equivalent of an opioid prescription avoided for every 27 patients.
Veterans are significantly more likely to report low back pain than the general population and regularly seek care from their local VA clinic. While the opioid crisis is well-documented, the issue is particularly acute among veterans, with research suggesting that as many as one in three veterans misuse opioids. Therefore, providing veterans with drug-free alternatives, including chiropractic, is critical.
“We examined real-world chiropractic care as it is currently delivered in the VA healthcare system,” said Anthony Lisi, DC, VA’s Chiropractic Program Director and the study’s principal investigator. “Given the risks associated with opioid medications, non-drug methods for treating low back problems are needed. The evidence supports the benefits of chiropractic care as a practical way to reduce reliance on opioids for managing these conditions.”
The study reinforces the changing approach across the healthcare profession with the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines recommending nonpharmacological treatments for low back pain instead of medication.
“These findings highlight the value of chiropractic care as a first-line, evidence-based and effective drug-free approach to pain management,” said Sherry McAllister, DC, President, Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. “Chiropractic’s proven role in reducing opioid reliance is especially vital for veterans who face a higher risk of opioid addiction, while also having implications for the broader public. It is essential for the medical community to incorporate these insights into patient care recommendations.”’
About the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) is an award-winning not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of chiropractic care. With 39k members, we work to build bridges with other healthcare professions and foster trust through peer-reviewed research, campaigns and industry platforms, all in the service of promoting a drug-free, noninvasive, sustainable approach to healthcare.
