Excerpt: One important reason patients consult primary care professionals, including general practitioners and chiropractors, is for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. Musculoskeletal conditions (spinal pain, consequences of injuries, osteoporosis, and arthritis) result in an enormous social, psychological, and economic burden to society, and are the leading cause of physical disability. Chiropractic is a regulated health profession (serving approximately 10% of the population)10 that has contributed to the health and well-being of North Americans for over a century.
Despite available evidence for optimal management of back and neck pain, poor adherence to clinical practice guidelines and wide variations in services have been noted. Utilization of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is an important way to help implement research findings into clinical practice. Guidelines aim to describe appropriate care based on the best available scientific evidence and broad consensus while promoting efficient use of resources. These tools have the potential to improve the quality and safety of healthcare.
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