These days, because of the abundance of quality scientific research, modern chiropractors and medical doctors understand the tremendous value working together can bring to their patients. But new research shows chiropractors and medical doctors may not be working together as much as possible.
In a new study, researchers surveyed more than 6,000 patients in Oregon and Washington who were Kaiser Permanente members from 2009 – 2011 and had three or more outpatient visits for chronic pain. They found that 58% of these patients had used chiropractic care or acupuncture or both. The majority of patients shared information about these alternative therapies with their primary care provider. However, a good portion (35 percent of those who utilized acupuncture only and 42 percent of those who were only treated by a chiropractor) didn’t talk to their providers about what complementary treatments they received. Almost all of these patients said they would be happy to share this information if their provider had only asked.
Dr. Charles Elder, an investigator for the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research notes, “Our study confirms that most of our patients with chronic pain are seeking complementary treatments to supplement the care we provide in the primary care setting. The problem is that too often, doctors don’t ask about this treatment, and patients don’t volunteer the information.”
Times have changed. Your doctor should be aware of other treatments you receive to help maximize results.
Pain Relief Chiropractic 
Leave a Reply