On February 14, the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research (JVSR) published the second ICA research on frequency and duration of treatment for pain.The paper is entitled “Program of Care Derived from Pain Data Reported in RCTS on Low Back Pain” and was authored by Maltby JK, Harrison DD, Harrison DE, Betz JW, Ferrantelli JR, and Clum G. The previous paper concerned the neck, upper back pain and headaches, while the present paper analizes low back pain.
These papers taken together refute Managed Care Organizations claims that low back pain should resolve in 6-12 visits. From 65 RCTs on low back pain and SMT/mobilization, an average visit number of eight was determined, with only 43 percent reduction of pain achieved. Extrapolating this data provides over 20 visits needed to resolve pain. However, as doctors we are required to document and manage such cases for exacerbations. Thus, if we add some visits for examinations and post-evaluations with some four weeks of supportive care, one attains nearly 30 visits.
DCs can now question Managed Care Organizations on their fabricated claims of 6-12 visits. These two systematic reviews of the literature determined the true data and results, i.e. patients with pain are less than 50 percent improved with SMT in 6-12 visits.
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