Routine medical care for adults with musculoskeletal disorders in the Indigenous community of Pimicikamak, northern Manitoba before and after implementing the Global Spine Care Initiative model: a retrospective chart review with a 10-month post-implementation window: A collaborative research project between World Spine Care Canada (WSCC), Pimicikamack Okimawin, and Cross Lake Nursing Station.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba face a high burden of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and limited access to care. In October 2023, a new chiropractic service was launched in Cross Lake, Manitoba, aiming to improve MSK care access. This study explored: (1) the nature of MSK-related care provided at the Cross Lake Nursing Station, and (2) changes in clinical management during the first 10 months post-implementation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review (standardized 14-item form) for two periods: December 2021-2022 (pre-implementation) and October 2023-August 2024 (post-implementation). Data on presentations, imaging, treatments, and referrals were analyzed descriptively. Results: Post-implementation, imaging use declined (63.4% to 44.9%), as did prescription of NSAIDs (80.5% to 53.1%), acetaminophen (63.4% to 32.7%), and opioids (21.9% to 8.2%). Muscle relaxant prescriptions increased, while pregabalin/gabapentin remained stable. Conclusion: The new chiropractic service may be associated with reduced use of imaging and common medications for MSK conditions.
Source: Europe PMC (PubMed Central)
Authors: Patricia Tavares, Jennifer Ward, Steven Passmore, Melissa Atkinson-Graham, Randall Smolinski, Muriel Scott, Jean Moss, Deborah Kopansky-Giles, Jacqueline C Ladwig, Jordan Myers, Cheryl M Glazebrook, David A Monias, Helga Hamilton, Donald Z Mckay, Scott Haldeman, Sheilah Hogg-Johnson, André Bussières
Language: English
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7128095595