Initial findings from the Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Study of Americans provide insight into U.S. adults' experiences with pain and their perceptions of and opinions regarding pharmaceutical vs. conservative pain management, particularly opioids.
"Americans Prefer Drug-Free Pain Management Over Opioids," a Gallup brief based on specific findings from the 2017 survey, is now available; the complete Gallup-Palmer report, analyzing data gathered February-March 2017, will be released in October. Here's a sampling of the findings outlined in the brief:
Pain is an ongoing issue for Americans: "About one in four adults in the U.S. (27%) have seen a healthcare professional for significant neck or back pain in the last 12 months. More than half of those adults (54%) have had an ongoing problem with neck or back pain for five years or more."
Nearly eight in 10 (78 percent) of Americans "prefer to try other ways to address their physical pain before they take pain medication prescribed by a doctor." However, pain medications are still widely used: "Among those who have had ongoing neck or back pain for less than 12 months, seven in 10 have taken a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Advil®, aspirin or Aleve®, to manage the pain, and 45% have taken acetaminophen, such as Tylenol®. One in four of these new neck or back pain sufferers say they took an opioid for pain management."
For managing back / neck pain, chiropractic is perceived as "very effective" by 29 percent of Americans – higher than prescription pain medication (22 percent), back surgery (15 percent) and self-care (9 percent). Only physical therapy (41 percent "very effective") scored higher.
Americans also perceive chiropractic as safer than prescription and OTC medication and back surgery for neck / back pain: 33 percent "very safe," vs. 23 percent for OTC medication, 12 percent for prescription meds and 6 percent for surgery. (By comparison, 68 percent perceive PT as "very safe.")
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.
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)
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.
