Public Health Burden of Musculoskeletal Disease: The potential role of the chiropractic profession

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders cost the United States approximately $850 billion per year. Among these disorders, back pain, fall related disabilities and osteoporosis are among the most costly. In the United States alone, musculoskeletal conditions are a leading cause of disability, accounting for more than 130 million patient visits to healthcare providers annually. They are the number one reason people visit their physician, and affect nearly 50% of Americans over the age of 18. The prevalence and cost to society of these conditions qualify musculoskeletal disorders as a public health concern. Musculoskeletal conditions are the most common reason for visits to chiropractic physicians. The chiropractic physician may play an integral role in the future to deliver a safe and cost effective preventative services and treatment for these disorders.

Methods: There is a growing body of literature describing the role of the conservative care provider to participate in the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. These methods include evidence based educational programs as well as other exercise and manual treatment interventions. The presentation will review evidence for the role of the chiropractic physician in back pain treatment and prevention, fall prevention through education and the potential role of manual therapy in fall prevention and the role of the chiropractor in osteoporosis prevention.

Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders are a growing public health concern. Evidence based and evidence influenced treatment methods are available for the chiropractic physician to fulfill a growing need for non-pharmacologic and non-invasive treatment and prevention of these disorders.