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The Role of Insurance Coverage in the Colorado Springs Back Surgery or Non-Surgical Care Choice

“Back surgery is one of the most overused types of surgery as well as the most common ailment that sends patients to doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists,” conveys Crain’s Detroit Business magazine’s article titled Health Insurers Look for Ways to Cut Costs with Back Surgery. What a way to open an article! It goes on:

  • $90 billion on low back pain alone a year
  • 1.2 million spinal surgeries annually
  • $60,000 to $110,000 per lumbar fusion surgery (the fastest-growing type of surgery in the past 10 years)

The back surgery failure rate, the so-called “failed back syndrome” or the more “politically correct” term “post-surgical continued pain syndrome,” may be as high as 50%. (1) With healthcare spending in the US over $3.5 trillion - $10,739 per person – it is no wonder that insurers look for another way to cut costs, especially when one-third of the money is spent for hospital care of chronic illnesses. (2) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR is well-trained and knowledgeable in offering non-hospital-based care to help Colorado Springs back pain – chronic and acute – patients find relief of and manage their back pain – and post-surgical continued back pain - without surgery.

LOW BACK PAIN FACTS

Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability globally. Today, guidelines for low back pain relief care discourage pain medications, steroid injections and spine surgery and encourage physical therapy and psychological therapy. Healthcare systems have a tendency to struggle with these novel approaches. Why? Pharmaceutical companies’ financial interests, old payment systems that favor medical care, outdated traditions, and legal, personal, political, and societal beliefs of us all. These views are presented in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, believe it or not. (3) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR reads this with interest.

BACK SURGERY CHOICE

In light of these facts, it’s not hard to believe that some back pain sufferers will pick back surgery over non-surgical management of their back pain. “Patients go where insurance pays, even if it is surgery.” In one study, back pain sufferers made the choice to visit a primary care physician (PCP) or physical therapist (PT) or chiropractor initially based on their health plan type, co-payment, and deductible. Modifying these things to make them more valuable/less expensive/less restrictive as to provider type could inspire low back pain sufferers to choose non-hospital, conservative treatment rather than back surgery. (4) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR is all for this! Less than 1% of back pain sufferers require back surgery. (5) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR is prepared to help the rest of the Colorado Springs back pain sufferers cope with their back pain and rework their lifestyles to be with the spine they have and cope with its episodes of pain and relief.

RECURRENT BACK PAIN

Colorado Springs back pain sufferers are not alone if their back pain returns. It happens. It’s controllable. It is manageable. Some data first: Within a year of recovery, 69% of patients had another episode of back pain of some sort. Awkward postures, long sitting times, and more than 2 prior back pain experiences spark the risk of back pain recurrence. (6) It is ok though. Really! The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR helps Colorado Springs back pain patients find their way through these recurrences and manage them so they do not limit anyone’s enjoyment of life.  We have a treatment plan!

CONTACT The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR

Listen to Dr. Kimble Cater on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson share how he helped an expectant mother with her repeated episodes of back pain. Whether you’re pregnant or not, Colorado Springs chiropractic care at The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR can help you deal with repeated episodes of back pain, too.

Schedule a Colorado Springs chiropractic appointment at The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR for back pain relief. Our care is not overused!  The gentle, effective, evidence-based system of Cox® Technic seeks 50% relief within 4-6 weeks of care and often delivers 70%, 80%, 90% and greater for many of our patients at less cost – in terms of finances and lifestyle – than back surgery.

The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR realizes that back pain sufferers may choose their back pain treatment option based on insurance coverage. If insurance pays for back surgery, will you choose that?  
 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."