This information came from a national survey involving a variety of health care providers who commonly see patients for chronic pain. The group of health care providers included; primary care physicians (medical doctors), pain specialists, chiropractors and acupuncturists. The goal of this survey was to see how different disciplines perceived chronic pain and how they went about treating it. (As an aside, chronic pain is a serious health problem costing the health care system and the overall economy millions of dollars in expenses and loss in productivity)
According to the survey, medical doctors see about 52% of the patients suffering from chronic pain. Chiropractors follow next at 40%, acupuncturists at 7% and pain specialists at 2%. The survey found that pain specialists commonly treat these patients with long-acting Opioids. The kinds of drugs they prescribe include; methadone, anti-depressants and anti-convulsants. Pain specialists were 50-100% more likely to prescribe medication and drugs to their patients compared to medical doctors.
But here's what's alarming and slightly disheartening. 29% of medical doctors and 16% of pain specialists reported prescribing opioids LESS than they thought was appropriate because of regulatory oversight concerns. Meaning, these doctors wanted to prescribe opioids for their patients more often than they actually did but were concerned about regulations. So these doctors felt that the best course of care for their patients suffering from chronic pain was more drugs!
To top it off, the survey also revealed this startling result. Medical doctors, out of this group of health care providers, were least likely to feel confident in their ability to manage musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain, and are least likely to favor mandatory pain education.
I don't know about you but I find this very concerning! According to this survey, not only do medical doctors see the vast majority of chronic pain patients, but they probably feel the least confident in dealing with many of these patients! (Note: This was a survey so the doctors were free to answer any way they chose fit and this is how they responded)
There has got to be a better way! Luckily for many there is and it's called Chiropractic. I will be the first to admit that Chiropractic may not work for 100% of patients, realistically nothing does. It may not even be appropriate for some patients. However, for the the vast majority, Chiropractic is a very real and often the best option for chronic pain sufferers.
Chiropractic by it's very nature is; non-invasive, conservative and a drug free therapy. Not only that, but years of successes and studies proves it works!
Here's more information about the study; Pain management by primary care physicians, pain physicians, chiropractors, and acupuncturists: a national survey. Breuer B., Cruciani C., Southern Medical Journal, 2010 August: 103 (8), 738-47
So if you're in the Commercial Drive neighborhood of East Vancouver, stop by the office or visit the website at;COMMERCIAL DRIVE - EAST VANCOUVER CHIROPRACTOR; DR. DOMINIC CHAN DC
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