Chiropractic Health Care month in Illinois

 October, 2021 has been designated as Chiropractic Health Care Month in Illinois. Every year two million Illinois residents visit chiropractic practices. 

Chiropractic Care Significantly Reduces Risk of Opioid Prescribing

Study from the March issue of Pain Medicine Journal using claim data from three states found that patients with spinal pain who saw a chiropractor had half the risk of filling an opioid prescription.
Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain

Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Back Care Cut Opioid Use, Costs

A recent study in Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open concluded that adding increased chiropractic and physical therapy coverage and other non drug services to insurance plans gave better outcomes, decreased costs, and reduced opioid use.

Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Back Care Cut Opioid Use, Costs

9 Risk Factors for Developing Sciatica

I have had many patients with more severe sciatica (leg pain from a pinched nerve in the low back) tell me with a straiight face they wished someone would cut their leg off! It can be more severe than back pain because it is a form of nerve pain.
You can decrease your risk of sciatica by working on the nine factors discussed in this article.

9 Risk Factors for Developing Sciatica

The problem with MRIs for low back pain

It seems to make sense that more medical testing gives better results, yet studies have shown that imaging for low back pain does not improve one’s pain, function, or quality of life. One of the big negatives with imaging is that there is a high amount of false negatives, which are incidental findings that do not cause symptoms, and this many times leads to unneeded further testing and failed treatments including surgeries.
So it is counter-intuitive but sometimes less testing is better.
The problem with MRIs for low back pain

VA Study Finds Chiropractic Linked to Lower Opiate Usage

A recent Veteran's Administration study published in the Pain Medicine Journal found that veterans who received chiropractic treatment had a significantly lower usage of opiates after their chiropractic visits compared to non-chiropractic patients.
Opioids can sometimes be beneficial, but in some cases other treatments can be more appropriate. Do you think it would be beneficial to get veterans better access to chiropractic and other non drug treatments?

VA Study Finds Chiropractic Linked to Lower Opiate Usage

Medicare: Patient Access to Chiropractic

Medicare has always only had partial coverage for chiropractic services. Last week a bipartisan bill was been introduced in the House of Representatives named The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 3654), and it would allow Medicare beneficiaries access to all of the chiropractic profession’s non-drug approaches to pain management.
If you think this would be beneficial for Medicare beneficiaries, please follow the link below to send a letter of support to your representative.
https://www.acatoday.org/…/Legi…/Medicare/HR3654-Take-Action

Senate Introduces Bill to Expand Chiropractic Access to Military Retirees, National Guard

Senate Introduces Bill to Expand Chiropractic Access to Military Retirees, National Guard

Maintaining Mobility as we Age A Key to Aging Successfully

I have been talking to patients about the importance of mobility for the last 28 years. Glad to see it getting to the mainstream. Here is an animated presentation by a chiropractic professor on the importance of mobility as we age.
Are you staying mobile?
Maintaining Mobility as we Age A Key to Aging Successfully

3 Times a Chiropractor Can Make You Feel Better—and 9 Things They Cannot Help

Article from Men's Health on chiropractic treatment helping many back conditions, sports injuries, and migraines. No compelling evidence that it helps with non-musculoskeletal conditions. 
Would you agree?
3 Times a Chiropractor Can Make You Feel Better—and 9 Things He Should Never Even Attempt

Spinal Manipulation Plus Exercise Effective for Teen Low Back Pain

A new study published in the July issue of the PAIN Journal showed that twelve weeks of spinal manipulative therapy (adjustments) combined with exercise therapy is more effective than exercise therapy alone over a one-year period for adolescents with chronic low back pain. 
Does this surpise anyone?
Spinal Manipulation Plus Exercise Effective for Teen Low Back Pain

Do I Have To Keep Going To The Chiropractor?

One of the complaints you will often hear about chiropractors sounds like this, “Once you go, you always have to go.” The ironic thing is that it’s more common to hear that complaint from someone who has never actually gone to a chiropractor instead of someone who has.
If you talk to someone who goes to or has gone to a chiropractor, they will tell you the statement “Once you go, you always have to go” is simply untrue.
Have you ever heard this urban legend?
Do I Have To Keep Going To The Chiropractor?

Lower Back Pain Relief: Treatments That Really Work

A new article in Readers Digest entitled "Lower Back 
Relief Treatments That Really Work" recommends chiropractic care, physical therapy and several other conservative professions and treatments.
Do you think these are good recommendations?
Lower Back Pain Relief: Treatments That Really Work

CHIROPRACTIC CARE & THE OLYMPICS: HOW DCS HELP OLYMPIC ATHLETES REACH PEAK PERFORMANCE

Doctors of chiropractic have been working on US Olympic teams since 1980.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE & THE OLYMPICS: HOW DCS HELP OLYMPIC ATHLETES REACH PEAK PERFORMANCE

House Introduces Bill to Expand Chiropractic Access to Military Retirees, Families

A bill introduced last week in the House of Representatives and would expand access to chiropractic services to military retirees, dependents and survivors through the Department of Defense TRICARE health program.
It would also establish, in the wake of the nationwide opioid crisis, an important non-drug option for pain management in the program.
Do you think this would be beneficial for the military and their families?
House Introduces Bill to Expand Chiropractic Access to Military Retirees, Families

Recent issue of the Harvard Health Letter states "For back sprains, strains, and herniated discs, a visit to your primary care physician or chiropractor may be all it takes to feel better. Make that initial call if back pain is interfering with your day." Also "A well-trained chiropractor will sort out whether you should be in their care or the care of a physical therapist or medical doctor." 
Do you think this is good advice?Where to turn for low back pain relief

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic

Ever have questions about the chiropractor profession? Here is an article with information about education, licensing, scope of practice, effectiveness and safety, insurance coverage, and other issues concerning the profession.
Do you have any questions concerning the chiropractic profession?

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic

NIH COMMITS $7 MILLION TO PALMER CENTER FOR CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH AND PARTNERS TO STUDY CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR VETERANS WITH CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN

There is a pressing need to address the devastating impact of chronic low-back pain in U.S. Veterans,” The National Institutes of Health has committed $7 million for a multi-disiplinary group of researchers at the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research to study chiropractic care both for treatment and prevention of chronic low back disorders in Veterans.
Do you think this is a good avenue for research?

NIH COMMITS $7 MILLION TO PALMER CENTER FOR CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH AND PARTNERS TO STUDY CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR VETERANS WITH CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN

Governor Rauner Designates October 2017 as Chiropractic Health Care Month

Governor Rauner has issued a proclamation to designate October 2017 as Chiropractic Health Care Month in Illinois. The proclamation highlights the benefits and importance of chiropractic care throughout the State. The proclamation also recognizes the dedication chiropractic physicians have for their patients. Every year approximately 30 million Americans and two million patients in Illinois visit chiropractic physicians.
Governor Rauner Designates October 2017 as Chiropractic Health Care Month

RAND Report: Chiropractic Scores Big in the Military

RAND Report: Chiropractic Scores Big in the Military
The private research group RAND just completed a study of complementary health services at military bases.
More than half of bases provide chiropractic services. Chiropractic is by far the most frequently utilized service. Almost two-thirds of patients say chiropractic improves patient satisfaction and patients' quality of life.
Do you see increased availability of chiropractic care to the military as a positive change?
RAND Report: Chiropractic Scores Big in the Military