More than 200,000 microdiscectomies (a type of back surgery) are performed annually in the United States, at a direct cost of $5 billion or $25,000 per procedure.
60% of patients with Sciatica (low back pain that radiates down the leg) who had failed other medical management benefitted from spinal adjustments to the same degree as if they underwent surgical intervention.
In a recent study, consenting participants were chosen randomly to receive either an average of 21 chiropractic sessions over a year or a single microdiscectomy.
If cost is assumed at $100 per chiropractic visit, there is a direct, total savings of $22,900 per adjustment patient. System-wide, this could save $2.75 billion dollars annually.
This research supports spinal adjustments performed by a doctor of chiropractic is a valuable and safe treatment option for those experiencing symptomatic lumbar disc pain.
