Chronic Pain in America: A Call to Action for Chiropractors
Nearly a quarter of U.S. adults are living with chronic pain. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a story of millions of people whose lives, work, and relationships are being disrupted every single day. As chiropractors, we don’t just see numbers in reports like this. We see faces. We see the mom who can’t pick up her toddler because her back hurts too much. We see the retiree whose knees won’t let him play with his grandkids. We see the entrepreneur who’s pushing through pain to keep their business running but knows they’re running on empty.
According to a recent CDC report, 24% of adults experienced chronic pain in 2023, a significant increase from 2019. Even more concerning, nearly 9% of adults reported high-impact chronic pain, meaning their pain significantly limits their ability to live their lives or get their work done. As these numbers climb, it’s clear that our communities need help.
Why This Matters to Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic has always been about function, not just symptom relief. It’s about restoring the body’s natural ability to move, perform, and thrive. Chronic pain steals that function. It limits mobility, energy, and the ability to do even the simplest activities. It also drags down mental health, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even opioid misuse—a tragic path many take when they feel they have no other options.
Here’s where we, as chiropractors, have an incredible opportunity. We offer a drug-free, non-invasive solution to chronic pain—one that gets to the root cause rather than masking symptoms. Through spinal adjustments, lifestyle coaching, and integrative care, we empower patients to reclaim their lives and move better without relying on painkillers.
The Growing Need for Chiropractic: A Closer Look
The CDC’s findings also uncovered trends worth noting:
1. Chronic Pain Increases With Age
As the population ages, the demand for effective pain solutions will only grow. This is a call for us to focus on geriatric care, promoting mobility, balance, and pain relief to keep older adults active and independent for as long as possible.
2. Women Are More Affected Than Men
Women, especially moms and working professionals, often put their own care last. This is an opportunity to educate women about chiropractic care, offering them a path to better function and quality of life without invasive treatments or medications.
3. Rural and Underserved Communities Suffer More
Those in less urban areas often have limited access to healthcare options, making chiropractic a critical service. If you’re practicing in these regions, know that your work has a ripple effect—reducing pain, improving mobility, and helping people show up fully for their lives.
4. Pain Is Linked to Mental Health
Chronic pain and mental health are inseparable. When people hurt, they lose hope. Chiropractic care doesn’t just treat the body—it lifts the spirit. Patients who experience pain relief through chiropractic often report reduced stress, improved mood, and better overall well-being.
A Call to Action for Chiropractors
This CDC report reminds us of the urgent role we play in the healthcare system. We are front-line providers of natural, effective solutions for pain. If you haven’t already, now is the time to:
• Educate your community about the role chiropractic can play in managing chronic pain. Host workshops, write blogs, and share patient success stories.
• Focus on prevention. Pain often starts as a small issue that goes unchecked. Teach patients the importance of posture, movement, and regular spinal care to avoid bigger problems down the line.
• Connect with other healthcare providers. Many patients with chronic pain end up in medical offices looking for answers. Build relationships with local primary care providers, physical therapists, and mental health professionals to show them how chiropractic care can complement their treatments.
• Be the solution for the opioid crisis. Promote chiropractic as a drug-free alternative. Patients deserve options, and chiropractic care can often reduce or eliminate the need for pain medications.
Every Adjustment is a Step Toward a Pain-Free Life
The numbers are clear: chronic pain is rising, and its impact is devastating. But as chiropractors, we hold the key to changing lives. With every adjustment, we give patients hope. With every visit, we help them move better, feel better, and live better.
So, let’s rise to the challenge. Let’s be the solution our communities need. Together, we can help people break free from chronic pain and step into the active, vibrant lives they deserve.
If you’re ready to make an even bigger impact in your community, now’s the time to double down on your practice’s commitment to transforming lives. The need is greater than ever, and chiropractic is the answer.
Keep making a difference, one patient at a time.
