Many people suffer from low back pain. As Johanna Weidner of The Record has found, when family doctors and chiropractors work together in treating this issue, everyone wins.
A study done by the Ontario Chiropractic Association shows that doctors sent fewer patients for tests and surgical consultations after the patients had been assessed by a chiropractor. This can be a huge relief for the patients, who typically have to wait for specialty referrals and tests.
“The pilot project involved chiropractors working in a doctor’s office, doing a 30-minute assessment of a patient’s low back pain and offering education, then discussing treatment options with the doctor. Recommendations could include exercises that can be taught quickly right in the office, chiropractic treatment and physical, occupational or massage therapy.”
Family doctors and patients alike were very pleased with this form of treatment, as the collaboration between the doctors and the chiropractors made for a more assured diagnosis and treatment plan.
Chiropractor Jennifer Nash, who works at the health services centre on Wilfrid Laurier University’s Brantford campus, said that “Historically, low back pain was treated with bed rest and pain medication, while now treatment includes exercise, education and manual therapies, and that shift has given rise to an interdisciplinary approach.”
Dr. Nash is one of many doctor and chiropractors who want to see more collaboration in this kind of treatment.
“Hopefully it will take off across the province. It certainly deserves to.”