What kind of doctor should I see for low back pain?

Close to 85% of people in the United States will experience significant low back pain that requires care at some point in their lives. With cost of care being a real concern for many, people want to know what type of care to start with for their low back pain.  There are options; most people start with medical doctors, physical therapists or chiropractors for low back pain.

A recently published article (2014) assessed insurance provider data to answer questions regarding cost for care. While they did not come out and recommend a specific provider type (the main authors were medical doctors linked to insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies), the article does show striking results that are important for those trying to chose the affordable treatment for their low back pain.

Part of the research was based on what type of doctor a patient saw first for their condition. As primary point of contact for many patients, physical therapists and doctors of chiropractors are permitted and encouraged, when appropriate, to refer patient to other health providers. 

Cost

The research found that the chiropractic treatment group had the lowest rates of prescription medication, the lowest cost of care per episode, the least likely to have patients undergo surgical procedures and the least use of treatments that do not match clinical guidelines. In patients with low back pain whether accompanied by neurological findings (sciatica) or not, medical care was more than 4 times more costly than chiropractic care per episode and physical therapy was twice as costly as chiropractic. 

Research

This research reflects what other current unbiased research has reported. A 2004 and 2007 study reported Clinical and cost utilization based a large patient population over a 7-year period demonstrated a decrease of 60.2% in-hospital admissions, a decrease of 59.0% hospital days, a decrease of 62.0% outpatient surgeries and procedures, and a decrease of 85% pharmaceutical costs when chiropractic doctors were the first point of contact for patients with any health condition compared with conventional medical doctors within the same insurance provider in the same health maintenance organization product in the same geography and time frame.  Another similar study reported that the cost of care (all care, not just low back pain) when DCs were used for primary care was 40% less than when care was initiated by MDs.

The doctors at Gallatin Valley Chiropractic are just the type of chiropractor you want to see first for your low back pain.  They will provide a thorough exam, an explanation for your condition and the cause, they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan and will provide you the highest quality chiropractic care available. If our patients condition warrants a referral for imaging such as X-ray or MRI they will be given a referral note to take to the hospital the day of treatment. If our patients condition will be best taken care of with another health care provider, they will not hesitate to direct you toward what is best for you and your condition.

Call today for an appointment. 406-551-2177