A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that respondents rated Chiropractic as #1 when asked, "Who Helped the Most?" regarding back pain.
As you may or may not know, about 80% of the population will suffer from back pain at least once in their lives, and "back pain" is in the top 5 reasons people go see their doctors. With back pain being so common and also affecting our economy as well as one's own enjoyment of life, Consumer Reports wanted to know, "Who helped the Most?" when back pain sufferers went looking for relief.
The survey done on about 14,000 Consumer Reports subscribers came out with some surprising results. First off, more than half of respondents reported their back pain severely affecting their daily activities. 46% said it affected their sleep. 31% said it affected activity levels and their efforts to maintain a healthy weight. 24% said it affected their sex life and 88% reported their back pain recurred throughout the year!!
As Consumer Reports found, many people go to their family physicians for treatment and advice when it comes to back pain. However, Consumer Reports was surprised to discover that a significant number of their respondents were disappointed with what their family doctors could do to help. So, "Who Helped the Most?"
Professional - Highly Satisfied (% of Respondents)
- Chiropractors - 59%
- Physical Therapists - 55%
- Acupuncturists - 53%
- Physician, Specialist - 44%
- Physician, General Practitioner - 34%
The respondents of this survey tried an average of 5-6 different forms of therapy and these were the results.
As a Chiropractor, I can't say I am totally surprised with these results. Especially when I hear from patients in my own practice how disappointed they were with what their family doctor had to offer. But to even my own surprise is the amount of dissatisfaction people felt with the care/advice they received from a specialist. Although respondents were significantly more satisfied with the care they received from a specialist compared to a general practitioner, it still trailed far behind the care from a Chiropractor.
I believe that as time goes on and more surveys and studies emerge regarding the efficacy and benefits of Chiropractic, these types of findings will become more commonplace. However, until that happens it is up to the patients to ask their doctors about Chiropractic and discuss with them the most effective form of therapy for back pain. If you were to believe a group of 14, 000 people, chances are good that you too will be happy with what a Chiropractor can do for you!
Contact Dr. Chan at COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC HERE!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment