Here are five observations:
1. In many cases, exercises and over-the-counter drugs would probably work to reduce back pain.
2. The report found a 10 percent increase in back pain surgeries between 2010 and 2013 in upstate New York.
3. Between 2010 and 2013, there was a 14 percent increase in the number of spine patients receiving drug prescriptions for pain within the first six weeks of diagnosis.
4. In 2013, upstate New York adults’ neck and back pain care totaled $1 billion. Of that, 36 percent went toward surgery and 32.9 percent went toward non-surgical interventions.
5. The report recommends patients consider noninvasive options before jumping to surgery or prescription medication for back pain.
“If patients receive the wrong back pain care at the wrong time, it could actually lead to worse outcomes,” said Brian Justice, DC, medical director at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
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