​Updated pain management guidelines recommend patients start with non-drug treatment like chiropractic first for non-terminal pain, but how does seeing a chiropractor first really effect treatment?

Research indicates starting with non-drug treatment like chiropractic is a much safer and more effective method of treating most patients compared to the overuse of opioids and other medications. A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic looked at how the initial provider a patient sees for neck pain can have a significant impact on the subsequent treatment they receive.
 
Researchers compared treatments and medical services provided to patients when they initially see a primary care medical doctor (PCP), Physical Therapist (PT), Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or specialist (pain management, orthopedic surgeon, etc.). The study found multiple benefits to starting treatment with a DC compared to PCP:

• Patients who saw a DC first were least likely to use opioids
• DC patients were least likely to undergo surgery (none of the 383 chiropractic patients underwent neck surgery during the study period)
• DC patients were least likely to undergo MRI testing or xrays
• DC patients were least likely to receive injections
• PT patients were less likely than PCP patients to use opioids, though more likely to undergo injections or surgery, and more likely to undergo MRI testing
• Specialist patients were most likely to undergo surgery, injections, receive opioids, and get MRI testing.

 
The researchers noted, "These findings are consistent with the recent [American College of Physicians] low back and [Center for Disease Control] opioid prescription guidelines, which favor nonpharmacological interventions often provided by DCs and PTs. There are important practice and policy implications of our findings given current recommendations in favor of front-line nonpharmacological management in patients with neck pain, yet many systems are not structured to provide care in this manner. Stronger alignment of PTs and DCs as front-line providers by health care systems may be needed in light of the widespread addiction, which has been identified as a public health epidemic."

This study confirms the wisdom of seeing a DC first for musculoskeletal pain to avoid riskier and more expensive treatments or testing. It also highlights the work that needs to be done by health systems to ensure this treatment is appropriately covered and encouraged to be used first whenever possible.

The leaves are down and snow is coming! Time is running out to get those leaves cleaned up. Use these tips to prepare for your leaf-raking marathon without the painful aftermath. 

• Start with some walking and stretching to warm up the body and prepare it for activity.
• When raking or blowing, stand straight and avoid hunching over to minimize strain on the neck and back. Work with the rake or blower  directly in front of your body to avoid repeated twisting side to side.
• Bend at the knees and hips when picking up leaves and don't lift them all at once.
• Don’t forget protective gear like gloves and glasses, especially when using power tools. Wear a mask to keep your airways clear.
• Follow up your conquest of the yard with an ice pack to control inflammation.
• If the weather allows, try to work with leaves as dry as possible to keep the weight down.

Cleaning up leaves can be a healthy activity when done right. Use these tips to stay healthy in the yard or get some help!

Ohio chiropractic physicians recently meeting in Columbus for the annual chiropractic convention, took time to celebrate those doctors that have worked tirelessly for patients throughout the state of Ohio.

Each year one doctor is recognized for lifetime achievement. In honor of Dr. Rick McMichael's decades of service to chiropractic patients and the profession, the Ohio State Chiropractic Association awarded Dr. Rick McMichael the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. McMichael has served in numerous positions throughout his career to improve patients' ability to access chiropractic care. Over the years he has served as Ohio State Chiropractic Association President, Ohio Board of Chiropractic Examiners President, Ohio Congress of Chiropractic Associations President, American Chiropractic Association President, as well as serving in leadership of the World Federation of Chiropractic and other chiropractic organizations. He served on Advisory Committees to the Department of Defense and Veterans Administration, ensuring that our nation's military, veterans, and family members have access to chiropractic care.

This is the latest in professional awards received by Dr. McMichael. He has been awarded OSCA Chiropractor of the Year, ACA Chiropractor of the Year, and 2-time Logan University Alumnus of the Year among other awards.

Accepting a lifetime achievement award doesn't mean he's done. Dr. McMichael continues to help patients and will serve where needed until all patients have appropriate access to the chiropractic care they need and deserve.