Chiropractors are poised to play a vital part in
the country’s primary health care system, according to the New Zealand
Chiropractors’ Association (NZCA). In its submission to the Government’s New
Zealand Health Strategy Update, the NZCA says that chiropractors are well
placed to deliver high quality, evidence-based, natural and non-surgical care
to manage neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.
Dr Hayden Thomas, chiropractor and spokesperson
for the NZCA explains: `A key premise of chiropractic care is to promote health
and wellbeing. As such the chiropractic profession is ideally placed to support
New Zealanders to “live well, get well and stay well” also a key objective of
the New Zealand Government’s Health Strategy Update.
`Neuromusculoskeletal (NMSK) disorders (problems
with nerves, muscles and skeletal structure of the body, primarily of the
spine) place a heavy burden on the New Zealand health service and have become
increasingly costly. This cost goes well beyond the healthcare sector, placing
a strain on industry due to lost productivity (presenteeism) and days away from
work (absenteeism), and for the individual, a reduction in ability to perform
activities of daily living and ultimately their quality of life.’
● UK figures estimate
that up to 30% of all GP consultations are about musculoskeletal complaints and
British GPs have reported that it is the top clinical reason for visits (with
musculoskeletal pain the most common presenting symptom) (Department
of Health, 2006. Musculoskeletal Services Framework)
● NMSK conditions have a
significant social and economic impact, with up to 60% of people who are on
long-term sick leave citing NMSK problems as the reason and patients with NMSK
forming the second largest group (22%) receiving incapacity benefits. (CBI,
in association with AXA, 2005. ‘Who care wins: absence and labour turnover
2005’)
● Furthermore, it is recognised
that whilst prevalent in all age groups the incidence of NMSK disorders
generally rises with age. As such the age and proportion of older ages in the
population will further increase the demand for NMSK services on an already
overloaded public system.
Traditionally, public funded treatment for these
disorders has been confined to hospital outpatient departments, however the
NZCA believes that broadening the choice of provider of NMSK services for
spinal dysfunction (including back and neck pain), to fully incorporate
chiropractic care will drive up quality, reduce cost and enable innovation.
Chiropractic care has routinely been shown to be safe, effective and has a very
high patient satisfaction rate.1-13
The current New
Zealand Health Strategy was published in 2000 and much has changed since then, especially
growing research into the role of chiropractic care in the management of spinal
dysfunction. The updated strategy will set a new vision and a road map for the
next three to five years for the health sector.
Dr Thomas says: `We know we can contribute to a
high quality health system that integrates across the social sector and is
sustainable in the long term. Chiropractic in New Zealand is increasingly
focused on providing a foundation for a safer and more clinically and
financially sustainable health sector.’
New Zealand has a world renown chiropractic
training facility, The New
Zealand College of Chiropractic. The college also has a growing internationally
acclaimed research
centre
that is performing and publishing cutting edge studies into the beneficial effect
chiropractic care is having on the NMSK system and positive outcomes for the
restoration and preservation of health, function and general wellbeing.
NZCA chiropractors provide care with a patient
centred, whole person and functional outcome focus. The care is tailored to the
individual including a recognition of various biopsychosocial factors that may
be involved. They support their hands-on care with cognitive interventions such
as individual counselling and advice about the patient's lifestyle, work, and
exercise, in order to help manage the condition and prevent it from recurring.
Chiropractors have a proud history and grounding in the advantages of a
maintenance, prevention and wellness based approach.
-Ends-
Further
Information:
References:
1.
Rubinstein SM. Adverse events following
chiropractic care for subjects with neck or low-back pain: do the benefits
outweigh the risks? J Manipulative Physiol Ther. Jul-Aug 2008;31(6):461-464.
2.
Carnes D, Mars TS, Mullinger B, Froud R,
Underwood M. Adverse events and manual therapy: A systematic review. Man Ther.
2010;15(4):355-363.
3.
Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans RL, Bouter LM.
Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck
pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Spine Journal: Official
Journal of the North American Spine Society. May-Jun 2004;4(3):335-356.
4.
Gaumer G. Factors associated with patient
satisfaction with chiropractic care: survey and review of the literature. J
Manipulative Physiol Ther. Jul-Aug 2006;29(6):455-462.
5.
Walker BF, French SD, Grant W, Green S. A
Cochrane review of combined chiropractic interventions for low-back pain. Spine
(Phila Pa 1976). Feb 1 2011;36(3):230-242.
6.
Haas M, Sharma R, Stano M. Cost-effectiveness of
medical and chiropractic care for acute and chronic low back pain. J
Manipulative Physiol Ther. Oct 2005;28(8):555-563.
7.
Rafter N, Hickey A, Condell S, et al. Adverse
events in healthcare: learning from mistakes. QJM. Jul 29 2014.
10.
(Mootz RD, Hansen DT, Breen A, Killinger LZ,
Nelson C (2006). "Health services research related to chiropractic: review
and recommendations for research prioritization by the chiropractic
profession". J Manipulative Physiol Ther 29 (9): 707–25. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.09.001.PMID 17142165)
11.
(Phelan
SP, Armstrong RC, Knox DG, Hubka MJ, Ainbinder DA. An evaluation of medical and
chiropractic provider utilization and costs: treating injured workers in North
Carolina. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. Sep 2004;27(7):442-448).
