Faster Recovery, Lower Costs: Chiropractic’s Role in Workforce Health

Unlocking the Potential of Chiropractic Care in Workers’ Compensation

In this episode of the PCA Deep Dive Series by the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, we explore the significant impact of chiropractic care on low back pain within the workers' compensation (WC) system. With low back pain being the leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing to over $134 billion in U.S. healthcare costs annually, this episode delves into comprehensive data from the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute and a long-term study on a self-insured workforce. Key findings reveal that exclusive chiropractic care can substantially reduce overall medical costs, shorten disability duration, and decrease the necessity for high-risk services like MRIs and opioids. The episode also examines the influence of state policies on the prevalence of chiropractic care in WC systems and discusses strategies for policymakers and employers to identify which workers could benefit most from early chiropractic intervention.

00:00 Introduction to the PCA Deep Dive Series

00:15 Understanding the Impact of Low Back Pain

00:43 Data Sources and Real-World Outcomes

01:23 The Workers' Compensation System and Chiropractic Care

03:16 Recommended First Steps for Low Back Pain

04:13 Chiropractors vs. Physical Therapists

05:49 State Policies and Chiropractic Care Usage

07:38 Treatment Patterns and Patient Complexity

10:12 Exclusive Chiropractic Care: Cost and Recovery Benefits

12:45 Concluding Insights and Future Challenges

Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI)

Wang D, Mueller KL, Murphy DR, Lea RD. Chiropractic Care for Workers with Low Back Pain. WCRI, 2022. PDF: https://www.wcrinet.org/reports/chiropractic-care-for-workers-with-low-back-pain

Major Self-Insured Employer Study

Allen H, Wright M, Craig T, Mardekian J, Cheung R, Sanchez R, Bunn WB, Rogers W. Tracking Low Back Problems in a Major Self-Insured Workforce: Toward Improvement in the Patient’s Journey. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 2014. 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000210

PCA Website: https://pennchiro.org/

Contact the PCA: pca@pennchiro.org

Disclosure

The Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association did not generate this data. PCA Deep Dive reviews and discusses independent, peer-reviewed research to help translate long-term outcomes and clinical implications for patients, clinicians, policymakers, and healthcare decision makers.