Chiropractors Urge "Culture Change" In Pain Treatment

A health care association is touting what its members believe to be a clear path Ohioans can take to cut down on opioid addiction. This path would take a culture change when it comes to the reputation of alternative medicine.Pat Ensminger of Warren says chiropractic care is just one of many ways to treat pain without addictive opioids.Ensminger and the Ohio State Chiropractic Association says there are obstacles to connecting a patient to a chiropractor - including getting primary care physicians and insurance plans to take this treatment more seriously.“We have an influence on our patients to seek non-drug care. It should be worth a premium. It should be worth a benefit package to allow the public to seek that care,” said Ensminger.The association says this culture change can start with reaching out to student athletes and medical students about the role chiropractic can play in pain treatment.The association added that they've attempted to work with the Ohio Department of Medicaid and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation to remove barriers to access, however the association says those agencies have been unwilling to make changes. Update Tuesday, March 20, 2018 7:15 pm:The Ohio BWC released the following statement in response to the OSCA.“Chiropractors are a valued member of our medical community and are represented on several BWC committees that help guide injured worker care. Chiropractic care has always been a treatment option for injured workers and was recently highlighted as a conservative alternative to lumbar fusions to reduce back pain and potential opioid abuse.” Copyright 2018 The Statehouse News Bureau. To see more, visit The Statehouse News Bureau.