I’m a chiropractor but I’m also a husband and a business owner and I know that people like me, care about cost-efficiency. Our modern healthcare system is anything but. Regular chiropractic care is increasingly recognized not just for its health benefits but also for its potential to save money.
Reduction in Medical Expenses
One of the most direct ways regular chiropractic care can save money is by reducing overall medical expenses. Traditional medical treatments and advanced diagnostic procedures often come at prohibitive cost. With the average cost of spinal surgery running between 80-250k and an MRI will set you back an average of R8800 in the South African private health sector, the most expensive of 9 countries surveyed by the International Federation of Health Plans.
Chiropractors provide a non-invasive alternative that can mitigate or even eliminate the need for these expensive procedures.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that people who used chiropractic care had a 60% decrease in hospital admissions, 59% fewer days in the hospital, and 62% less outpatient surgeries and procedures. Moreover, these people had an 85% reduction in pharmaceutical costs compared to those who did not receive chiropractic care (Manga, 2000). These significant reductions translate directly into cost savings for both individuals and the healthcare system.
Decreased Use of Pharmaceuticals
Chronic pain is a major reason for the prescription of painkillers, including opioids, which are not only expensive but also carry a high risk of addiction and adverse side effects. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free approach to pain management, reducing the dependency on these medications. This shift not only lowers the direct costs associated with purchasing these drugs but also reduces the downstream costs related to treating side effects and addiction.
Research has shown that chiropractic care can be as effective as, or even more effective than, pharmacological interventions for certain conditions. For example, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that spinal manipulation provided more significant relief for acute low-back pain than medication (Bronfort et al., 2012). By opting for chiropractic care, people can avoid the high costs associated with long-term drug use and the subsequent health complications.
Prevention and Maintenance
Regular chiropractic care emphasizes prevention and maintenance of neuromusculoskeletal health. By addressing minor issues before they become major problems, chiropractic care helps to avoid the need for more intensive and expensive medical treatments. Regular adjustments can prevent common conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches from escalating into chronic issues that require more complex interventions.
Preventative care has been shown to be cost-effective across various health disciplines, and chiropractic care is no exception. For example, maintaining spinal alignment and ensuring proper nervous system function may reduce the frequency and severity of conditions that could require more expensive procedures like surgery.
Improved Productivity and Reduced Absenteeism
Musculoskeletal issues are among the leading causes of workplace absenteeism and reduced productivity. Conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and overuse injuries can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work, leading to lost wages and decreased productivity for employers. Regular chiropractic care can help manage and prevent these conditions, allowing individuals to maintain their work performance and avoid taking time off due to pain or injury.
The economic impact of absenteeism and reduced productivity is substantial. The American Chiropractic Association reports that low back pain alone costs the United States at least $50 billion in health care costs each year, a figure that climbs to $100 billion when lost wages and decreased productivity are included. By mitigating the prevalence and impact of these issues, chiropractic care can contribute to a more productive workforce.
Reduced Surgical Interventions
Surgical procedures, especially for back and neck problems, are not only costly but also carry risks of complications and extended recovery times. Chiropractic care offers a conservative management approach that may delay or even prevent the need for surgery. For example, studies have shown that people who receive chiropractic care are less likely to undergo surgery for back pain compared to those who seek other forms of treatment. According to research published in the journal Spine, people who saw a chiropractor first had a 42.7% lower chance of undergoing spinal surgery than those who consulted a surgeon initially (Keeney et al., 2012).
Cost-Effective Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain management is a significant financial burden for many people including healthcare providers. Traditional pain management approaches often involve ongoing use of pain medications, injections, and repeated medical visits, all of which contribute to high long-term costs. Chiropractic care, with its focus on natural, non-invasive treatments, provides an effective alternative for managing chronic pain.
A study published in the Journal of Pain Research found that chiropractic care was associated with lower costs and reduced pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain compared to conventional medical care. This was corroborated just this year by a systematic review published in the journal Chiropractic and Manual Therapies (Farabaugh et al., 2024). People receiving chiropractic care also reported higher satisfaction rates, suggesting that this approach not only saves money but also improves outcomes and quality of life (Herman et al., 2008).
Enhanced Quality of Life
While the financial benefits of chiropractic care are substantial, it’s also important to consider the broader impact on quality of life. Chronic pain and mobility issues can severely affect an individual’s ability to perform daily activities, engage in hobbies, and maintain social connections. By alleviating pain and improving function, chiropractic care enhances overall well-being and quality of life.
Improved quality of life can have indirect financial benefits as well. When individuals are healthier and more active, they are less likely to develop secondary health issues related to inactivity, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions. This holistic improvement in health can lead to reduced medical costs and a more fulfilling, productive life.
Regular chiropractic care offers a myriad of financial benefits that extend beyond the immediate relief of pain and discomfort. By reducing medical expenses, decreasing the use of pharmaceuticals, emphasizing prevention and maintenance, improving productivity, reducing surgical interventions, providing cost-effective chronic pain management and enhancing overall quality of life, chiropractic care emerges as a cost-saving strategy in healthcare.
With the vast majority of our healthcare Rands being spent in the final 18 months of life we don’t have a choice whether or not we spend the money. We do get to choose whether we spend it promoting and maintaining health or fighting disease.
As healthcare costs continue to rise, the need for effective, affordable, non-invasive care options becomes increasingly desirable. By incorporating regular chiropractic visits into their healthcare routines, individuals might enjoy better health outcomes and possibly substantial financial savings, making chiropractic care an attractive option for personal health.
References
- Manga, P. (2000). Enhanced chiropractic coverage under OHIP as a means of reducing health care costs, attaining better health outcomes, and achieving equitable access to health services. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 23(1), 1-36.
- Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Anderson, A. V., Svendsen, K. H., Bracha, Y., & Grimm, R. H. (2012). Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 156(1_Part_1), 1-10.
- Keeney, B. J., Fulton-Kehoe, D., Turner, J. A., Wickizer, T. M., & Franklin, G. M. (2012). Early predictors of lumbar spine surgery after occupational back injury: results from a prospective study of workers in Washington State. Spine, 38(3), 261-269.
- Herman, P. M., Szczurko, O., Cooley, K., & Seely, D. (2008). Cost-effectiveness of naturopathic care for chronic low back pain. Journal of Pain Research, 1, 109-118
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is largely based on opinion of the author and does not constitute academic, peer reviewed literature and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.