A new study published in BMJ Open, an online publication of the British Medical Journal, examined the association of initial provider treatment with early and long-term opioid use in a national sample of patients with new-onset low back pain (LBP). The study evaluated outpatient and inpatient claims from patient visits, pharmacy claims and inpatient and outpatient procedures with initial providers seen for new-onset LBP.

Participants were 216,504 individuals aged 18 years or older across the U.S. who were diagnosed with new-onset LBP. Patients who were opioid-naïve were also included. Participants had commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance.

Patients who received initial treatment from chiropractors, physical therapists and acupuncturists had decreased odds of early opioid use compared with those who received initial treatment from primary care physicians. Compared with primary care physicians visits, initial chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture also were associated with decreased odds of long-term opioid use.

The study concluded that initial visits to chiropractors, physical therapists or acupuncturists, compared with primary care physicians, are associated with substantially decreased early and long-term use of opioids. Incentivizing use of conservative therapists may be a strategy to reduce risks of early and long-term opioid use.

Chiropractic care for back pain is an effective alternative to opioid use. Chiropractors are specially trained in alleviating back pain without resource to opioids or surgery, but with gentle, hands-on treatment.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.