News / Profession

The Dangers of Drugging the Elderly

Dynamic Chiropractic Staff

According to a survey conducted for the National Council on Aging, 18% of Americans over age 60 (7.5 million people) take medication for chronic pain. Of those 7.5 million seniors, 26% (1.95 million) experience side effects, half of which are severe:

Side Effects Percent of Seniors Affected
Drowsiness 20%
Dizziness 18%
Gastrointestinal Disorders 17%
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea 13%
Constipation 12%
Hospitalization 10%

Forty-one percent of the seniors who suffer from these side effects (800,000) take another drug to "manage" the side effects. Of greater concern is that 58% of the seniors who take pain medication also take other drugs for other ailments. And yet 48% of the seniors say that their doctors don't tell them about the possible harmful interaction between pain drugs and other medications they take.

----------------- SOURCE: The Study of Pain and Older Americans. Louis Harris and Associates survey, 1997.

December 1997
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
X-ray / Imaging / MRI
Radiologist-Missed Spinal Tumor Found by Chiropractor
Radiologist-Missed Spinal Tumor Found by Chiropractor

A 36-year-old female presented on Nov. 18, 2025, with lumbar pain and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Following a comprehensive history, physical examination, and radiographic evaluation to assess anatomical and biomechanical factors, an immediate lumbar MRI was ordered due to the patient’s radiculopathic symptoms and clinical findings.

Mark Studin, DC, FPSC, FASBE(C), DAAPM; Timothy Clare, DC, FPSC(C)
Billing / Fees / Insurance
Guidelines vs. Care: Bridging the Gap
Guidelines vs. Care: Bridging the Gap

What happens when best practices for patient care fall outside what guidelines endorse or insurance will cover? More importantly, how can clinicians ethically and effectively integrate non-reimbursed services that improve function, reduce disability and support long-term outcomes? These are not just clinical questions; they are economic and policy challenges that directly affect practice viability and patient access.

Christopher Proulx, DC, PhD(ABD), CSCS