A new study published in the European Spine Journal sheds light on why chiropractic should be the first line of care. While conventional medicine often turns to prescription drugs, including opioids, to manage pain, this approach can lead to significant risks, including addiction, increased medical interventions, and higher healthcare costs. But there is a better way—chiropractic care.
Key Findings: Chiropractic Care Leads to Better Outcomes Recent research has uncovered compelling evidence supporting chiropractic care as the first line of defense against neck pain. Patients who initiated treatment with a Doctor of Chiropractic saw:
✅ 77.8% decrease in hospitalization rates
✅ 93.3% reduction in the need for surgical procedures
Beyond these dramatic reductions, patients who started with chiropractic care instead of traditional medical treatments experienced a 64% decrease in cumulative escalation encounters. This includes fewer visits to medical specialists, reduced need for injection procedures, fewer hospital admissions, emergency room visits, and imaging studies.
The Dangers of Prescription Pain Medications One of the most eye-opening findings was the impact of prescription pain medications on patient outcomes. When pain medications were introduced early in treatment:
❌ Escalation of care significantly increased, including high-cost imaging
❌ Patients experienced higher rates of invasive interventions
Why Chiropractic is the Best First Step Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free, and highly effective alternative to conventional pain management. By addressing the root causes of pain through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and holistic care approaches, chiropractic helps patients achieve long-term relief—without the risks associated with prescription medications and surgery.
