TORONTO, Ontario (CNW News), September 21, 2007:

Seniors, the working poor and those receiving social assistance suffer the highest incidence of musculoskeletal problems, including back pain.

Yet, as an unintended consequence of the delisting of chiropractic in 2004, these vulnerable populations are least able to access chiropractic care, according to a recent report by the DeGroote School of Business's Health Leadership Institute.

Commissioned by the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA), the report, titled Providing Chiropractic Services to Those Most Vulnerable, cites a significant shift in the demographics of patients visiting Ontario's chiropractors - toward those with private insurance, WSIB or automobile insurance claims, and away from seniors, low income earners and social assistance recipients.

The report outlines five different funding options that would substantially improve access to chiropractic among these segments of the population.

"These groups are at a major disadvantage in getting the care they need," says OCA President Dr. Bryan Wolfe.

"Musculoskeletal problems, such as repetitive strain injuries, back and neck pain, are often debilitating, and they present a major challenge for the health care system. Without funding support, vulnerable populations have no choice but to seek care from health providers who fall within the scope of OHIP. That means an increase in the use of emergency rooms and family physicians, who are already overburdened and in short supply."

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the leading causes of chronic health problems among people over 65. In fact, according to a study by the Public Health Agency of Canada, back pain and migraines were two of the most common reasons for visiting a physician. Interestingly, the top three reasons that patients visit the chiropractor are back pain, neck pain and headache.

With the upcoming provincial election, funding for chiropractic has become a subject for debate, and the OCA is very encouraged by NDP Leader Howard Hampton's recent pledge to commit $100 million a year for chiropractic, physiotherapy and optometry.

"The OCA is committed to working closely with the provincial government, no matter what the outcome of the upcoming election, to find a viable and cost-effective solution," says Dr. Wolfe. "We have already been engaged in discussions with all three parties regarding the funding options outlined in the report."

The funding models outlined in the report include:
- fee-for-service - in which the Ministry of Health and Long-Term care funds a
fixed amount for each patient visit, with the patient paying a co-payment;
- mixed population - in which fee-for-service model for those patients not enrolled
in some form of reformed primary care practice, and the capitation model for
those who are.

The Ontario Chiropractic Association is a voluntary professionalorganization that represents more than 2,700 (80 %) of Ontario's Chiropractors. www.chiropractic.on.ca.

Further information: Ontario Chiropractic Association, jpaige@chiropractic.on.ca.

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