National Spinal Health Month Highlighted Effectiveness and Popularity of Chiropractic Care Among Baby Boomers

Memphis , TN – Oct. 23, 2000 – The American chiropractic Association declared October “National Spinal Health Month” in an effort to raise awareness of the importance of spinal health; a recent national survey of baby boomers highlighted the increasing importance of the issue.

The survey, by national research firm Sorelli B, found that more than a third of baby boomers – Americans born between 1946 and 1964 – considered spinal health so important they seek chiropractic care regularly as an alternative to prescription drugs and physical therapy. Many respondents said chiropractic care has helped them avoid back surgery and hospital stays. This is an important finding considering that the more than 70 million Americans who make up the baby boomer generation will turn 50 over the next 15 years.

Spinal health has long been a concern of Dr. Richard Cole of the Cole Pain Therapy Group in Memphis , who has studied methods of restoring and maintaining spinal health for more than 20 years as a chiropractic physician. Recent data on the effectiveness and popularity of chiropractic care among Americans are solidifying this area of health care as the most viable choice for good spinal health.

But good spinal health isn’t only about treatment of a problem, Cole says. It’s as much about prevention of problems.

“Many baby boomers are moving away from the traditional model of “disease management” medical care to a new model of preventive health care, “ Cole said, “and chiropractic plays a big role in that shift. Studies have shown that the majority of people who visit doctors of chiropractic are concerned about healthy eating habits, wellness and overall healthy lifestyles. At Cole Pain Therapy Group, we help patients prevent illnesses naturally.

“There are simple things we can do to reduce our chances of back injuries, for instance. The treatment methods we have now in modern chiropractic are wonderful and very effective, but obviously, it’s much better to prevent a problem if you can.”

Cole’s tips for avoiding back injuries and maintaining good spinal health, especially for those over 50 include:

• Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
• Exercising regularly
• Buying a properly firm mattress
• Sleeping in the correct position (on your side)
• Maintaining proper posture
• Bending at the knees rather than the back when possible
• Lifting with the legs rather than back muscles
• Doing stretches regularly
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits
• Drinking 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day
• Consuming enough calcium

A study published in the July 1, 2998 , issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that chiropractic treatment is appropriate for low-back pain in a considerable number of cases. This study by the Rand Corp. found that 46 percent of a sample of low-back pain patients received appropriate care from doctors of chiropractic – an appropriateness rating similar to that of common medical procedures. Such proofs of effectiveness have made chiropractic care more popular.

“It’s simple,” Cole says, “Chiropractic care is growing increasingly popular because it works. And more and more studies are proving how effective it is.”

In fact, the baby boomers surveyed in the recent Sorelli B study gave doctors of chiropractic higher ratings in the area of patient satisfaction than their medical counterparts.

Doctors of chiropractic such as Cole provide patients with customized wellness programs that help ensure greater health and well-being. Quick relief of symptoms and sustained effectiveness have long attracted consumers to chiropractic care, whose popularity is demonstrated by the more than 20 million adults who used chiropractic services in just 1997 alone.

Chiropractic doctors prescribe therapeutic regimens that often include physical therapy, rehabilitative exercises and nutritional supplements – all to help patients regain and maintain a healthy balance between their neurological system, muscles and bones.