More Pervasive Than Back Pain – But You Are Still the Perfect Doctor to Help
Healthcare / Public Health

More Pervasive Than Back Pain – But You Are Still the Perfect Doctor to Help

Donald Petersen Jr., BS, HCD(hc), FICC(h)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • A new cross-sectional study of data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 reveals that 180.3 million people in the U.S. were impacted by disorders affecting their nervous-system health in 2021.
  • The most common of the 36 conditions included in the study: tension-type headaches (121.9 million people; 37%); followed by migraines (57.7 million) and diabetic neuropathy (17.1 million).
  • Given that more than half of the people who walk through your door (plus their friends and family) are suffering from some, if not multiple nervous-system ailments, this study begs conversations with every patient.

While back pain holds the title as the leading cause of disability and high healthcare costs, with nearly two of five U.S. adults experiencing back pain in the previous three months as of 2021 (39%), an even more pervasive health threat has now been recognized.

A new cross-sectional study of data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 reveals that 180.3 million people in the U.S. were impacted by disorders affecting their nervous-system health in 2021. That’s over 54% of that population.1

The most common of the 36 conditions included in the study: tension-type headaches (121.9 million people; 37%); followed by migraines (57.7 million) and diabetic neuropathy (17.1 million).

Not only are nervous-system ailments competing for the top spot in terms of disability-adjusted life-years (YLDS); the U.S. age-standardized prevalence was higher than that of the world population (54.2% vs 43.1%) and higher than every other country. As the study authors noted:

“Disorders affecting the nervous system are highly prevalent and cause disability for millions of US individuals, with reduced mortality leading to more YLDS.”

The authors concluded: “The United States should prioritize efforts to combat these conditions with development and implementation of new and effective prevention strategies, therapeutics, and focused rehabilitation.”

It would be interesting to see a study of chiropractic patients to compare the percentages. My guess is likely the same as yours: Maintaining a healthy nervous system helps to reduce or eliminate many of the 36 ailments studied.

Ignoring chiropractic’s role in addressing the remaining 35 nervous-system disorders for the moment, the literature provides significant demonstrations of chiropractic’s effectiveness for tension headaches, including a comparison to pharmaceutical treatment2 and for recurrent headaches in children.3

Given that more than half of the people who walk through your door (plus their friends and family) are suffering from some, if not multiple nervous-system ailments, this study begs conversations with every patient. In addition to helping to relieve the strain on nervous systems, you are likely to uncover additional needs among your patients and their loved ones.

References

  1. Ney JP, Steinmetz JD, Anderson-benge E, et al. US burden of disorders affecting the nervous system: from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 Study. JAMA Neurol, 2026;83;(1):20-34.
  2. Boline PD, Kassak K, Bronfort G, et al. Spinal manipulation vs. amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: a randomized clinical trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1995 Mar-Apr;18(3):148-54.
  3. Lynge S, Dissing KB, Vach W, et al. Effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation versus sham manipulation for recurrent headaches in children aged 7-14 years - a randomised clinical trial. Chiropr Man Therap, 2021 Jan 7;29(1).
March 2026
print pdf
Trending
Billing / Fees / Insurance
Should You Be In-Network or Out-of-Network With Insurance?
Should You Be In-Network or Out-of-Network With Insurance?

It’s a new year and many chiropractors are evaluating what will enhance their respective practices, particularly as it relates to their bottom line. One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be credentialed to bill insurance, and what are the best plans to join?” It’s a loaded question – but one every DC ponders. Whether you're already in-network or pondering whether to join, here's what you need to know.

Samuel A. Collins
Pediatrics
Clinical Considerations: Infant Tongue Tie / Tethered Oral Tissues
Clinical Considerations: Infant Tongue Tie / Tethered Oral Tissues

The term tongue tie or ankyloglossia is well-known to all pediatric-focused chiropractors. In the past 15-20 years, the prevalence of this diagnosis has skyrocketed. What this means to the pediatric chiropractor is that we are seeing breastfeeding babies in much greater numbers in our offices. Parents are seeking our help with this mysterious “tongue tie,” as are lactation consultants, pediatric dentists and many other members of the breastfeeding care team. Let’s look at some clinical aspects of this scenario that are well within the chiropractic scope.

Lynn Gerner, DC, FICPA, IBCLC
Senior Health
7 Exercises to Square Off the Geriatric Curve
7 Exercises to Square Off the Geriatric Curve

The first article in this series discussed the chiropractic approach to squaring off the geriatric aging curve: the steps to reduce the steady decline in vitality that occurs with aging. The research is clear that strength, agility, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness are all synonymous with longevity. Now let’s discuss seven low-tech exercises to promote lifegevity – squaring off the geriatric curve.

Donald DeFabio, DC, DACBSP, DABCO