While back pain has become a very common health condition, surgery is rarely required and even the Mayo Clinic admits that while “back pain is extremely common … surgery often fails to relieve it.”
So, what exactly determines whether a patient undergoes spinal surgery? A recent study pointed out by The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a not-for-profit organization, clearly shows how back pain sufferers end up under the knife.
“In total, 42.7 percent of workers who initially visited a surgeon underwent surgery, in contrast to only 1.5 percent of those who first consulted a chiropractor,” reports Gerard Clum, D.C., spokesperson, F4CP, who indicates the important study was conducted by a collaboration of prestigious institutions, including Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, University of Washington School of Public Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Ohio State University College of Public Health and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
Not only is the percentage difference staggering, but also poses the common sense question. If almost half of all workers who visit a surgeon truly have a medical need to undergo surgery, then that should indicate that almost half of a random population would need surgery as well. The fact that only 1.5% of whose who first consulted a chiropractor ended up with a medical necessity for surgery poses some serious questions towards how surgeons truly determine what kind of candidate requires surgery, especially since the Mayo Clinic has stated that ”back pain is extremely common … surgery often fails to relieve it.”
“Back injuries are the most prevalent occupational injury in the U.S., and care is commonly associated with one of the most costly treatments –spine surgery. Chiropractic is clearly the most appropriate first treatment option for patients with back pain, and this study confirms the value.”
An additional study, “Health Maintenance Care in Work-Related Low Back Pain and Its Association with Disability Recurrence,” (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; 4.1.2011) also examined chiropractic care for occupational back injuries and found similar outcomes. The study reported for work-related nonspecific low back pain, chiropractic care was associated with a lower disability recurrence, when compared to treatment by other medical interventions. Overall, chiropractic patients illustrated consistently better outcomes, less use of opioids, and had fewer surgeries, with lower medical expenses.
Where to Go For Help in Augusta GA
If you live in Augusta GA and suffer from back pain, contact our friendly staff at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic for a complimentary, private consultation. With our back-pain-specific treatments, we have significantly helped a range of back pain sufferers with their condition. If you would like to get started today, call our friendly office at (706) 814-5053 or schedule your appointment online. We look forward to seeing if our results-oriented treatments are the right fit for you and your condition.
After getting injured on the job, Ronnie was immediately told my a medical doctor that a risky neck and back surgery was the only solution to his symptoms.
There are more than several risks associated with back surgery: administration of general anesthesia, bleeding, infection, rejection of donor bone, blood clots, stroke, heart attack and nerve damage. Full recovery can take up to a year or even longer.
Luckily for Ronnie, he understood the risks involved and came to Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic instead. Since receiving customized care from Dr. Huntsman, Ronnie recovered from his injury and is now a Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic fan.
“In January I slipped on some ice and fell and hit my head on a truck. I was having neck pain, middle back pain and lower back pain. Whenever I would bend over, I would get a pain into my right leg. It would “grab” me and go down to the back of the knee. I was also having difficulty walking and was unable to pick up even small items. I would also have pain and numbness in my arms and hands.
I was told by the medical doctor that the only thing that could be done for me is to cut me open and have surgery on my neck and my low back! After 7 months, I decided to come to Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic and see Dr. Huntsman.
Since receiving treatment here, I don’t have to have surgery and I’m greatly improved. I’m walking better, have less pain or uncomfort at the neck and lower back with sitting or standing. I’m also now able to do more common things at work and home, that I couldn’t do before seeing Dr. Huntsman.
I highly recommend Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic!“
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic is conveniently located off Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, GA and provides quality chiropractic care to the Augusta, Martinez, and Evans GA communities. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com.
Choose several options to schedule your appointment: call (706) 814-5053, use our online voicemail, or use our online form.
