The Long Game: Why Chiropractic Maintenance Care Matters for Your Health
We've all heard the saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." While that often applies to things like changing your oil or getting regular dental check-ups, have you ever considered it for your spinal health? At Wellness at Work, PA, we frequently help patients find relief from acute pain – whether it's nagging headaches, stubborn back pain, or a stiff neck. But for many, the journey to optimal health doesn't end when the pain subsides. This is where chiropractic maintenance care comes in.
What Exactly is Chiropractic Maintenance Care?
Unlike active treatment that focuses on resolving an acute problem, maintenance care is about proactively maintaining your spinal health and nervous system function after your initial symptoms have improved. It's about preserving the gains you've made, preventing flare-ups, and supporting your body's natural ability to heal and function at its best. Think of it like regular tune-ups for your car, or brushing your teeth daily even when you don't have a cavity.
Evidence is Growing: Why Should You Consider It?
For years, many chiropractors have advocated for ongoing care, and now, compelling research is emerging to support its value, particularly for common, recurring conditions.
One highly influential study, the Nordic Maintenance Care Program (Eklund et al., 2018), published in the journal PLOS ONE, provides strong evidence. This randomized controlled trial found that patients with recurrent or persistent low back pain who received regular maintenance care experienced 12.8 fewer days with bothersome low back pain over a year compared to those who only sought care when symptoms returned. This suggests that regular adjustments can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of painful episodes.
Another significant study, published in Spine in 2011 by Senna and Machaly, looked at individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. They found that those who continued with regular maintenance spinal manipulation had significantly lower disability scores over a 10-month period compared to those who stopped care after initial intensive treatment. This indicates that maintenance care is crucial for maintaining functional improvements and preventing relapses.
These studies highlight a consistent theme: for many people, especially those prone to recurring musculoskeletal issues, consistent, proactive chiropractic care can lead to better long-term outcomes and a higher quality of life. By gently stimulating the sensors around your joints, particularly in the spine, chiropractic adjustments help to calm your nervous system, promoting better communication throughout your body and supporting its natural healing processes.
Who Benefits Most from Maintenance Care?
While almost everyone can benefit from optimizing their nervous system, maintenance care is particularly beneficial for individuals who:
- Suffer from chronic or recurrent conditions: Such as low back pain, neck pain, or headaches that tend to return if not managed.
- Have physically demanding jobs: Or engage in repetitive tasks that put stress on their spine.
- Experience high levels of stress: Which can lead to muscle tension and spinal restrictions.
- Are committed to proactive wellness: And want to prevent future problems rather than just reacting to pain.
- Are aging: As age can bring degenerative changes to the spine that benefit from ongoing support.
The Reality: Why Insurance Doesn't Typically Cover It
We understand that healthcare costs are a concern for everyone. It's important to know that Medicare and most private insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, typically do NOT cover chiropractic maintenance or wellness care.
This isn't a reflection of its value, but rather how insurance companies are structured. Their policies are generally based on "medical necessity" – meaning they cover care for an active illness or injury with an expectation of improvement. Once your condition has stabilized and further significant "active improvement" isn't expected, insurance considers the care to be "maintenance" or "preventative," and thus, not covered. This is why you'll often hear about a "maximum therapeutic benefit" point from your insurance provider.
Investing in Your Long-Term Health
While insurance may not cover it, we firmly believe that investing in regular chiropractic maintenance care is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. The potential benefits of fewer pain days, maintained function, and a calmer nervous system can far outweigh the out-of-pocket costs. Consider the potential for lost workdays, reduced quality of life, and the cost of managing recurring symptoms without proactive care.
At Wellness at Work, PA, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain your optimal health. We'll always discuss your individualized treatment plan and financial options openly and transparently.
Don't wait for the pain to return to consider your next step. Talk to us about how a personalized maintenance care plan can help you sustain your wellness journey.
Ready to explore your options?
Call us at: 316-684-4888
Visit our website: wellnessatwork-ks.com
Located: 837 S. Hillside Street, Wichita, KS 67211
Referenced Studies:
- Eklund, A., Jensen, I., Lohela-Karlsson, M., Hagberg, J., Hellman, M., Rembeck, G., ... & Björklund, A. (2018). The Nordic Maintenance Care Program: Effectiveness of chiropractic maintenance care versus symptom-guided treatment for recurrent and persistent low back pain—A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. PLOS ONE, 13(9), e0203029.
- Senna, M. K., & Machaly, S. A. (2011). Does maintained spinal manipulation therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain result in better long-term outcome? Spine, 36(18), 1427-1433.