Back pain not treated scientifically

Unfortunately back syndromes are not commonly treated scientifically, as evidenced by the huge increase of prescriptions for narcotic drugs and MRI's ordered.
Back and neck pain are among the most common conditions physicians treat, accounting for 10% of office visits and $86 billion in health spending..
Did you know that prescription narcotic drugs are now the number one drug problem in the US killing over 10,000 people per year?

http://newsatjama.jama.com/2013/07/29/author-insights-despite-recommendations-increased-use-of-narcotics-and-imaging-for-back-pain/

Health Insurance Changes Coming Your Way Under the Affordable Care Act AKA Obamacare

I have maintained this page for 2 1/2 years and I have always focused on healthcare related education of my page fans. As everyone is aware big changes are going to occur January 1st with the largest part of PPACA AKA Obamacare taking effect and the insurance exchanges starting in about 6 weeks on Oct 1st. I am planning on devoting some a my future posts to this new law as many people are very unaware and confused about these changes. I realize the law is controversial to some people but please do not post any political comments. There are plenty of other more appropriate places for political discussions. With that said, here is a very good informational video from the Henry Kaiser Family Foundation. Let me know if you have any questions of the content?

http://kff.org/health-reform/video/youtoons-obamacare-video/

For a stiff neck, nearly $6,000 in physical therapy seemed too much

A couple of years ago, our insurance company was billed $13,000 for physical therapy for my wife's shoulder condition! Outrageous! I have been in practice 23 years and never billed out even a third of that even for my most serious cases. Now I know why so many MD's and clinics have PT's working at them. Has anyone had any experience with PT bills?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/for-a-stiff-neck-nearly-6000-in-physical-therapy-seemed-too-much/2013/08/05/5c6b9f52-e9af-11e2-a301-ea5a8116d211_story.html

High Cost of Joint Replacements

Most people are now aware that US citizens pay exorbitant prices for many drugs. Less well known and growing is the exorbitant prices for medical devices including joint implants. The cost of a total hip implant rose over 300% since 1998! In the United States, nearly all hip and knee implants are made by five companies, which some economists describe as a cartel.
Why do you think we pay so much more for prescription drugs, devices, and surgeries than any other country?

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/health/for-medical-tourists-simple-math.html?ref=health