Year after year, more people turn to chiropractors to help with pain relief. Chiropractic care can treat neck and back pain, whether it’s done for just a few sessions or is part of a regular wellness routine. Dr. Nathen Horst has helped many people in the greater Temecula, CA area who suffer from pain and stiffness of the spine.

In October, the Palmer College of Chiropractic and Gallup released their fourth annual survey on the American public’s attitude regarding chiropractic care. Let’s take a moment to look at some of the key findings.

The Prevalence of Neck and Back Pain

According to the Gallup-Palmer survey, 62 percent of Americans have experienced back pain that was severe enough for them to visit a medical professional. In fact, 25 percent of respondents visited a doctor because of their neck or back pain in the previous 12 months.

Prescription/OTC Drugs for Neck and Back Pain

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are a common option to treat neck and back pain.

Among Gallup-Palmer respondents, roughly three-quarters took a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for their neck/back pain in the previous 12 months; half of the respondents took acetaminophen within the previous 12 months. More than one-fifth of respondents took prescription pain medication.

Of those who took prescription medicine, 22 percent used opioids, and 22 percent took benzodiazepines or muscle relaxants; 12percent took neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid drugs.

Even though medication use was common in treating neck and back pain, 79 percent of respondents said that they would prefer another treatment option before taking prescription medication. It’s thought that the opioid crisis and concerns of addiction are driving those numbers.

Doctors Seen by Survey Respondents

When seeking medical help for neck and back pain, 62 percent of respondents saw a medical doctor about their issues; 53 percent visited a chiropractor for adjustment; and 34 percent visited a physical therapist or a massage therapist.

Why Patients Seek Out Chiropractic Care

Of the survey participants, 54 percent said they visited chiropractors because they provided safe treatment with the fewest side effects; 52 percent said that chiropractors provide the right kind of treatment for their particular type of neck and back pain.

Rating Chiropractors and What They Provide

Not surprisingly, survey respondents rated chiropractors highly in terms of the nature of care provided and the quality of interpersonal interaction. A whopping 93 percent said that their chiropractor often listened to them and their concerns, compared to 72 percent for medial doctors.

In addition, 93 percent of respondents said that chiropractors provided quick access to care (compared to 53 percent for medical doctors); 93 percent also noted that their chiropractor demonstrated care and compassion (compared to 66 percent for medical doctors). On top of these high ratings, 88 percent of respondents said that their chiropractor explained things well, compared to 67 percent for medical doctors.

What This Report Means for Chiropractic Care

Given the nature of pain relief that is being sought and the high-quality patient care offered by chiropractors, the popularity of the field and viability of chiropractic treatment will likely increase with time. In essence, we will continue doing here what we have always done best.

Contact Dr. Nathen Horst

For more information about chiropractic care and why it may be right for you, be sure to contact an experienced chiropractor and pain relief specialist. Dr. Horst and his entire team look forward to your visit.