PRIMARY CARE OFF THE LIST TO SEE FOR LOW BACK PAIN. It doesn’t happen often, but I still have patients who ask if they should see their PCP before they see me. Or who have seen their PCP before me. Far too frequent the care and recommendations they receive are not in tune with the medical research. Jumping on prescription pain meds and anti-inflammatories, no recommendation to stay active, jumping on X-rays or worse, MRIs, way too soon. Epidurals before any conservative care is attempted.
This particular study confirms what I see in my office–PCPs are not aware of how to treat low back pain. Heck–almost 20% in this study were given OPIOIDS for acute low back pain!! The bottom line? Much evidence points to the fact that chiropractors are the best, most effective and most cost-effective point of entry for any musculoskeletal problem.