[February 14, 2017]

F4CP® Lauds Drug-Free Back Pain Guidelines from American College of Physicians, Cites Wall Street Journal Reference to Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation

New guidelines published in a report from the American College of Physicians articulates the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic therapies for chronic low back pain (LBP). The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress® (F4CP) points to the inclusion of spinal manipulation as a key non-pharmacologic, non-invasive approach to addressing LBP, noting that doctors of chiropractic (DCs) who perform 94 percent of all spinal manipulations in the United States are cited in the Wall Street Journal coverage of the report.

Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president, F4CP, the leading voice of the chiropractic profession, says, "Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective first-line option for pain management - particularly for back, low back and neck pain, headaches, neuro-musculoskeletal and other conditions. Chiropractic care is an evidence-based, non-invasive approach that is documented to yield improved clinical outcomes, reduced costs and high levels of patient satisfaction."

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 60-80 percent of the adult U.S. population has low back pain, and it is the second most common reason people go to the doctor. Low back problems affect the spine's flexibility, stability, and strength, which can cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness. Back pain is the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old. Each year 13 million people go to the doctor for chronic back pain. The condition leaves about 2.4 million Americans chronically disabled and another 2.4 million temporarily disabled.

"As primary care professionals for spinal health and well-being, doctors of chiropractic - who receive a minimum of seven years of higher education - are specifically trained to diagnose, evaluate and provide drug-free care and rehabilitation to individuals suffering from low back pain," explains Dr. McAllister.

While chiropractic care has earned a leading role as an important option for pain relief, access to chiropractic care will depend upon several important factors:

• Physician referrals to DCs rather than prescribing opioids.
• Benefit coverage and reimbursement for chiropractic care by government and commercial payers and reimbursement to DCs as participating providers.
• Access to chiropractic care for active military and veteran populations, with chiropractic care expanded in the Department of Defense and veterans' health care systems.

The F4CP is launching its national campaign, "Saves Lives. Stop Opioid Abuse. Choose Chiropractic." to educate media and attendees about the role of chiropractic care in providing effective, drug-free pain management; Tuesday, March 14, 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m., National Press Club, 529 14^th St NW, Washington, DC 20045. RSVP [email protected]. Register for optional live webcast: www.f4cp.com/pressclub2017/.

About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress®

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress® (F4CP) informs and educates the general public about the value of chiropractic care. Visit www.f4cp.com or call 866-901-F4CP (3427). Social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170214006492/en/

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