Commercial Drive - East Vancouver Chiropractor; Dr. Dominic Chan DC - "Chronic Low Back Pain on an Alarming Rise"

This is a study that I came across from the United States. This study was conducted in the state of North Carolina and looked at the incidences of chronic, impairing low back pain in the state. In 1992 the incidence rate was reported at 3.9% of the population suffered from chronic low back pain. In 2006, this rate was reported at a drastically higher 10.2%.

Researchers believe that although the study was conducted in only one state, the general trend was likely occurring across the United States, and probably even Canada. This study was published in the Feb. 9, 2009, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. "Considering the social and economic costs of chronic low back pain, these findings are alarming," said the study's principal investigator Timothy S. Carey, M.D., director of the Sheps Center and Sarah Graham Kenan Professor in the departments of medicine and social medicine in the UNC School of Medicine. "Low back pain is the second most common cause of disability in the United States and a common reason for missing work."

Carey noted that more than 80 percent of Americans will experience an episode of low back pain at some time in their lives and that total costs of the condition are estimated at greater than $100 billion annually, with two-thirds of that due to decreased wages and productivity.

The alarming increase in cases of chronic low back pain is very alarming and researchers have proposed several possible explanations. Some believe the reasons could range from increased incidences of obesity, depression or even a better understanding of the condition.

But what's important to note is that the research was done investigating the current health care model used to deal with chronic low back pain. Unfortunately, the current model relies heavily on the medical system with visits to family doctors, walk-in clinics and emergency rooms.

I think research like this is a clear indication that we need to look at other ways of addressing this issue. Many medical doctors are just not equipped to offer these patients the kind of relief they are looking for. As this study suggested, out of the 5,300 households contacted, less than 50% of the respondents with low back pain reported their doctors recommended exercise. Even though there is a substantial body of evidence now that shows that exercise can be very beneficial to suffers of chronic low back pain.

I find this situation disappointing but I can't say I'm completely surprised. With other studies showing Chiropractic doctors have hundreds of hours more of training regarding anatomy compared to Medical doctors, maybe chronic low back patients should be going straight to the Chiropractor.

If you are by the Commercial Drive neighborhood in East Vancouver come stop by Dr. Chan's clinic or visit COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC HERE!!!