The Evidence Based Chiropractor Blog
Hundreds of chiropractic marketing and research articles to help you grow.
Archive
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- October 2022
- July 2022
- May 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- October 2021
- January 2021
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- February 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- February 2017
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- July 2015
- April 2015
- February 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
Unnecessary Spinal Fusions Costing Billions of Dollars - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor
In October 2013, the Washington Post wrote a scathing article on spinal fusion surgeries being performed in Florida (and throughout the US). In part, they found that more than 50% of the 465,000 fusions performed in 2011 did have have adequate documentation to necessitate the surgery.
Over the past 20 years the rate of spinal fusion surgery has increased six fold. Yet, nearly all long term outcome assessments show we are not adequately treating spine related complaints.
In the past, extensive and expensive lobbying efforts have succeeded in suppressing the advancement of clinical guidelines. At this time, there are no accepted models of when a spinal fusion is truly necessary. The Post found, "...at a broader level, the rapid rise of spinal fusions in the United States, especially for diagnoses that generally don't require the procedure, has raised questions from experts about whether, amid medical uncertainty, the financial rewards are spurring the boom.".
At the very least, barring an emergency/red flag presentation, patients should be encouraged to explore ALL conservative options available to them prior to entertaining the idea of fusion surgery. Research continues to show chiropractic as the best first line treatment option. If unsuccessful, then physical therapy, medication, and/or injections may be considered. This article does not even begin to touch on the adjacent segment disease which affects the vertebral segments surrounding the surgical fusion site.
With significant complication rates, sky high prices, and potentially un-ethical decision making from the physicians and hospital systems; it is more imperative than ever to promote the safety and efficacy of conservative care.
JOIN US BY THE END OF THE MONTH AND RECEIVE ZIP CODE EXCLUSIVITY AND A 30 MINUTE IMPLEMENTATION CALL IN ADDITION TO IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO OUR MEMBERS VAULT AND YOUR CUSTOMIZED MONTHLY MD RESEARCH BRIEF. MEMBERSHIPS STARTS AT $25 WITH NO CONTRACT!
-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic outreach group in the profession. The service is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is efficient, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together