New research has indicated that spinal pain may be more recurrent than previously thought. Acute episodes of spinal pain are frequently short-lived, but the likelihood of recurrence, and potential chronicity, appears to be much higher than the evidence initially indicated.
Previous research has highlighted how chiropractors are in a unique position to evaluate, treat, and detect emerging spinal issues, thereby preventing future episodes of low back pain. The maximum benefit appears to apply to patients who have previously had a successful course of care within a chiropractic clinic.
Not every patient is an ideal candidate for maintenance care. However, we believe that many people in our community could potentially avoid chronic low back pain by receiving excellent acute care to relieve their symptoms, and then taking a proactive approach to improving their conditioning, ergonomics, and diet.
“With this new understanding of spinal pain as a condition with exacerbations and remissions throughout life, it might be wise to shift the focus of treatment from cure of the condition to management of the pain trajectories.”
“Back pain is a chronic disease for most, with episodes at short or long intervals. A preventative approach such as Maintenance Care, therefore, makes sense.”
“…Maintenance Care can be considered an evidence-based method to perform secondary and tertiary prevention in patients with previous episodes of low back pain, who report a good outcome from the initial treatment.”
We believe patients have better outcomes when their health professionals
work together.
