VICTORVILLE, Calif., Sept. 30, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to recent guidelines issued by the Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan, back pain patients are advised to complete at least three months of conservative treatment prior to surgery. These guidelines are designed to cut down on unnecessary surgical procedures. According to the chiropractors at Life Chiropractic, up to 70% of back pain cases can be managed through conservative care, rather than surgery. The Victorville chiropractors use non-invasive spinal adjustments to restore alignment to the musculoskeletal system, which may help relieve chronic pain.
In May of 2012, the Pittsburgh Medical Center Health Plan released new guidelines for the treatment of chronic low back pain. The guidelines mandate that all surgical candidates must try at least three months of conservative care prior to surgery. Examples of conservative care include chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, medication, and a low back pain health coaching program.
"The recent guidelines in Pittsburgh are a great reference for general healthcare as they recognize the value in conservative treatments such as chiropractic care," said Dr. James Boehmer, a chiropractor with Life Chiropractic. "As many as 70% of patients may benefit from chiropractic care or other non-invasive therapies."
The new back pain management guidelines are being enforced in 15 Pennsylvania counties, 20 hospitals, and over 400 doctors' offices and outpatient facilities. The guidelines are designed to reduce unnecessary surgeries.
According to Dr. Boehmer and chiropractor Dr. Edward Korthuis, chiropractic care is an effective alternative to invasive surgery because it addresses the underlying cause for pain. For example, a herniated disc resulting from an injury accident could compress the sciatic nerve, causing chronic lower back pain. Adjustments correct the misalignment, relieving pressure on the nerves and minimizing pain.
"Chiropractic care is based on patient-proven techniques that deliver long-lasting pain relief," said Dr. Korthuis. "In many cases adjustments are safer and more effective than surgery. All back pain operations carry risk and in some cases result in more pain. We are working to raise awareness about effective alternatives to back surgery."
Life Chiropractic treats accident injury victims, including veterans, for chronic back and neck pain. In addition to spinal adjustments, the Victorville chiropractors also provide corrective exercise, physiotherapy, and spinal decompression therapy.
The practice works with the Veterans' Administration and medical professionals to provide Victorville chiropractic care for veterans.
"For over 21 years, the team at Life Chiropractic has been helping veterans in Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia enjoy long-lasting back pain relief," said Dr. Boehmer. "We are proud to be the most experienced chiropractors in the High Desert. The VA provides for chiropractic care in our office with a referral from a veteran's physician."
Dr. Korthuis and Dr. Boehmer are both trained as Qualified Medical Examiners and Independent Disability Evaluators. Patients may learn more treatments for chronic pain by visiting http://www.lifechiro1.com/.