National Chiropractic Health Month 2017: Campaign Toolkit

re you a member of the public who would like more information about how chiropractic services may help reduce/eliminate the need for opioids? Click here! 

During National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM) 2017 this October, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) will share back injury prevention and strengthening tips as well as information on the value of a conservative approach to back pain treatment with the theme “Back to Basics.”

Back pain remains one of the most prevalent and disabling conditions worldwide. It is one of the most common reasons that patients visit their doctors, and one of the most common conditions for which doctors prescribe pain medications. It is estimated that up to 80% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. In addition, with the overuse and abuse of prescription opioid painkillers in the United States still a major public health issue, it’s essential for health care consumers to understand that spinal manipulation and other conservative treatments can treat common musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain effectively and safely.

NCHM 2017 will focus on back health “basics” — the importance of overall health and injury prevention as key strategies in maintaining spinal health throughout a lifetime — and highlight the growing body of research supporting a conservative approach to back pain treatment. For ideas on how to promote #BacktoBasics in your clinic and community, check out our sample marketing plan here.

In Your Community…

• Get a proclamation signed by your governor or mayor (instructions). Note: this process can take a few weeks or more; get started soon! 
• Use NCHM logos in your publications and practice materials.
• Send a press release to local editors and share via social media (instructions).
• Use these talking points about the opioid epidemic and chiropractic to kick start conversations in your community. *COMING SOON*
• Distribute patient education handouts in your clinic or at health fairs and other public events.

NCHM 2017 Handouts for Patients:

• Back Pain Prevention *ACA members-only*
• Tips for a Healthy Spine
• Nutrition & Lifestyle *ACA members-only*
• Back Pain Exercises *ACA members-only*

Please contact the ACA Communications Department with any questions or to share your plans for NCHM 2017.

And be sure to use the hashtags, #BacktoBasics and #Chiropractic1st, in your NCHM social media posts during the month of October!

Celebrate World Spine Day on Oct. 16

ACA encourages you to participate in World Spine Day on Oct. 16. The one-day event, coinciding with National Chiropractic Health Month, will raise awareness about spinal disorders as part of the Bone and Joint Decade’s Action Week. The year’s theme, “Your Back in Action,” will highlight the highlight the importance of physical activity and improving posture as part of good spinal health and prevention of injury. Visit the campaign page, check out the toolkit for resources to recognize the event in your community and share this video via social media.