Not only has chiropractic been shown to be less expensive than physical medicine, for instance, taking medication to mask symptoms, but also, in the long run, chiropractic has been shown to have a more lasting effect in ridding the real underlying problem.  In a world where patients want quick fixes to rid themselves of pain, chiropractic offers a more scientific approach to problem resolution.  This will result in less reoccurrences in the future, less missed work , less compensation time, less disability, less stress, and ultimately lower overall costs.  Narcotics is the single largest expenditure for Back Pain Care according to the Dec 2000 issue of the The Back Letter, a study on low back pain costs for a Pittsburgh area health care system (UPMC).  By far narcotics tops the list of expenditures and claims almost doubling number two on the list, In-Patient Admissions;   third, MRI's and CT scans;  fourth, Surgery;  fifth, NSAID's;  and sixth, Pain X-rays.  This study should make chiropractic more attractive to HMO's, since its care is more cost-effective and has much fewer risks.  This study also illustrates the extent of narcotics prescribed by medical providers for back pain.

As a general rule, adjustments are not painful and often times patients find spinal and extremity manipulation to be quite pleasant.  There are those times when patients present with acute conditions when there is inflammation and spasms.  Adjustments to those inflamed joints may at times cause some discomfort.  However, the ability and course of action taken by the doctor of chiropractic can minimize these occurrences which are normally gone immediately following an adjustment or shortly there after.  If symptoms due persist beyond 1-3 days, let your doctor know, for communication is an important factor in the doctor-patient relationship.  It is not uncommon that a new patient be adjusted twice in one day.  

Sometimes it is paramount that your Chiropractor work with your Medical Doctor in the early stages of acute care.  This may be necessary due to underlying circumstances.  Your Chiropractor will do this to ensure the best possible treatment for the patient during the early phases of care.  If necessary, cooperation will be maintained throughout the entire course of treatment.     

Oftentimes, after patients have completed a chiropractic treatment plan they are then asked to continue with periodic treatment to sustain their optimum quality of spinal health.  Do they have to do this?  Absolutely not.  However, many patients' choose to continue with supportive care as exacerbations present themselves, on a periodic basis, perhaps several visits a year.  This is covered by insurance.  Yet, there are even some individuals who choose maintenance care, which is not covered by insurance, and pay on a cash basis to experience the full benefits of chiropractic care.  These benefits are known only by those who take full advantage of all chiropractic has to offer.  The wellness component that chiropractic plays regarding overall health should not be overlooked.  Regular chiropractic visits should be a part of everyone's spinal health prevention program just as brushing one's teeth daily is paramount for oral health.  93 year old fitness guru Jack Lallane often makes the statement that "exercise is King and nutrition Queen".  If this be the case, then Chiropractic adjustments make the most sense to improve physical activity since we directly affect the joint-muscle-ligament-bone-nerve complex.