The Evidence Based Chiropractor Blog

Hundreds of chiropractic marketing and research articles to help you grow.

Jeff Langmaid 9/5/14 Jeff Langmaid 9/5/14

Flexion-Distraction, How Much Treatment is Sufficient? - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

The latest JMPT has a very interesting study examining the dosage effects of flexion-distraction technique for patients with lumbar stenosis. As we know from previous studies, flexion-distraction has been proven to decrease intradiscal pressure and relieve radicular complaints. Additionally, this chiropractic technique has proven to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for patients with lumbar stenosis. Currently, 60% of the chiropractic profession utilizes flexion-distraction.

The patients in the JMPT study were all over the age of 50 with MRI confirmed signs of Lumbar Stenosis. They were randomized to groups either received flexion-distraction, or placebo treatment. The researchers found that a "dosage" of 12 visits appears to produce the most clinical benefit while also retaining high adherence to schedule. Regardless of the treatment schedule they found that patients had positive trends of pain outcomes with treatment compared to placebo. Additionally, there were no adverse effects recorded for any of the patients receiving treatment.

Studies like this truly "set the stage" for future research. Using their dosage model, a future study will be able to closely examine clinical outcomes when measuring flexion distraction against other treatment options.

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession. We are dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research. Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us. Lets grow chiropractic together.

Jeff Langmaid 9/4/14 Jeff Langmaid 9/4/14

Lessons from a Team - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Many chiropractors look at a cabinet of files (electronic or paper) and consider "their" patients. Not surprisingly, many medical doctors also look at a stack of files and consider the individuals as "their" patients. While semantically there is nothing wrong with this; I suggest that by altering our perspective we can achieve far greater success and influence. What happens when the MD and DC begin to consider "our" patients. By emphasizing co-management (which is the truth) we are able to sublety change perspectives and serve far more friends and neighbors.

Jeff Langmaid 8/30/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/30/14

Groin Pain May Indicate L3/L4 Radiculopathy- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Persistent groin pain can be a very difficult symptom to assess and treat. Often, physicians looks to the hips or even the hip flexor muscles as possible sources of the pain.

New research emphasizes that L3/L4 radiculopathy can likely produce groin pain. Patients in this study underwent decompressive surgery and showed a great reduction in VAS and JOA pain, even at 19 months post-intervention.

As chiropractors, this means that we have the potential to provide non-surgical decompression (flexion-distraction, etc) to the L3/L4 vertebral motion segments and greatly reduce groin pain in some patients. While groin pain may traditionally stem from non-spine related complaints; research shows us that for a certain subset of patients, non-surgical decompressive chiropractic may provide substantial relief.

Jeff Langmaid 8/28/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/28/14

Marketing to MD's: Is it worth it? - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Marketing a Chiropractic practice can be an interesting adventure. Every day it seems as though a new marketing "breakthrough" has occurred which promises success beyond our wildest dreams. Unfortunately, as many chiropractors can attest, these schemes are usually short lived at best, and stretch the boundaries of legality at worst.

Building interdisciplinary referral relationships is perhaps one of the most fiscally responsible forms of outreach which also has the ability to produce seriously long term results. Once a local physician begins referring to your office (as long as you provide quality care), they should continue to refer for many years to come with little additional marketing expense.

For physicians new to interdisciplinary outreach, lets take a look at a sample ROI using The Evidence Based Chiropractor membership model-

Yearly Costs-

$357.00 - Membership to The Evidence Based Chiropractor

$294.00 - Postage to reach out to 50 Physicians Per Month for the Year

$150.00- Miscellaneous expense (envelopes, paper, ink)

$180.00- One Hour of Staff Time Per Month at $15.00 per hour

$981.00 Per Year All Included

Most Chiropractors have a case or patient value set at somewhere between $750-$1500 each. Using our current numbers, you would need to receive 1 MD Referral PER YEAR to break even using our system. Even just a single MD Referral each month would potentially generate between $8,019-$17,019 in additional income.

Perhaps more than numbers on a spreadsheet, providing chiropractic care for patients who would not have normally entered your office is the best reward of all.

Jeff Langmaid 8/27/14 Jeff Langmaid 8/27/14

MD Marketing for Introverted Chiropractors - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

For many Chiropractors, especially those who have recently graduated, reaching out to Medical Doctors can seem like a daunting task. It can feel intimidating and overwhelming. But, by having a systematic approach and proper preparation, even the most introverted chiropractorscan succeed in building referral relationships.

Proper Preparation- The first thing to do is become familiar and comfortable with the landmark research regarding chiropractic care. Our members have access to the Top Chiropractic Research PDF in our Members section. Simply becoming familiar with a paper or two for each spinal region (headache/cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine) will provide you a good foundation of knowledge.

Systematic Approach- Members of The Evidence Based Chiropractor have a full, easy to implement system for their outreach. However, if you are not a member, then I would suggest creating a plan for outreach. In short, this would include creating a target list, verifying the list, making a "first touch", following up for a meeting, and subsequently reaching out with research and case notes.

When you have a systematic approach and prepare properly, the anxiety of reaching out fades away. There are no other practitioners more qualified to provide conservative care for the spine than Chiropractors. Continued research fully supports the safety and efficacy of the Chiropractic adjustment. The onus is on each of us to reach out and build referral relationships with other physicians in our community.