We’re pleased to announce the launch of the Low Back on Track Chiropractic Pilot Program, a new study designed to expand access to publicly funded chiropractic care for eligible Albertans with new or recurring low back pain. Backed by a $250,000 investment from Alberta’s Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services, this marks the first time since 2009 that publicly funded chiropractic services are being offered in the province. This represents a significant step toward strengthening evidence‑based MSK care within Alberta’s primary care system and advancing chiropractic’s role in interdisciplinary care pathways.

This program is offered in partnership with the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network and the Red Deer Primary Care Network, and aims to strengthen collaboration between chiropractors and primary care teams while improving timely access to conservative spine care.

Program Overview and Need

Low Back on Track provides funded chiropractic care to eligible adults with new, persistent, or recurring low back pain. The pilot is now live in northwest Calgary and Red Deer, offering up to eight chiropractic visits over 90 days at no cost. The pilot will run until the end of summer 2026, with ongoing evaluation to inform the development of future funded MSK care programs in Alberta.

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in Alberta and one of the most common reasons Albertans seek medical care. Evidence shows that early access to care, such as chiropractic treatment can:

• Reduce pain
• Restore mobility
• Support long-term functional recovery

This makes timely MSK care even more important as Canada faces a projected shortfall of ~44,000 physicians by 2028. Chiropractors already rank as the second most consulted practitioners for arthritis and chronic low back pain in Alberta, yet financial barriers continue to limit access for many patients. These factors highlight the need for accessible, timely MSK care; precisely what the Low Back on Track pilot is designed to provide.

What the Pilot Program Does

Chiropractors offer a drug‑free, evidence‑based approach focused on hands‑on care, patient education, and strategies that support self‑management. The pilot was created to strengthen coordination between participating chiropractors and primary care teams, ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate care—especially important as MSK conditions accounted for 15.3% of practitioner claims in Alberta in 2018. Think this pilot program could help you or your patients? Ask your family doctor for a referral now.

Please note that this pilot is only available within the regions of Calgary Foothills and Red Deer Primary Care Networks.

Am I Eligible?

Albertans may qualify if they meet the following criteria:

• You have new or recurring low back pain impacting your daily activities
• You are 18 years of age or older
• You receive a referral from your family doctor or PCN care team
• You do not have other chiropractic coverage (or have exhausted benefits)
• You are not receiving care through WCB or motor vehicle accident claims
• You live in a participating area (Calgary Foothills or Red Deer PCN regions)

Individuals who do not qualify can still find care across the province using the Alberta Chiropractor Directory.

Participating Clinic Locations

To support a successful launch, the program is beginning with a select group of chiropractic clinics within the Calgary Foothills and Red Deer Primary Care Networks. These clinics were chosen for their experience managing low back pain and their commitment to collaborative, evidence‑based care.

These are the initial clinics participating at the start of the pilot:

Calgary Foothills PCN:

• Synergea Family Health Centre
• Momentum Health: National Spine & Wellness
• Momentum Health: Creekside
• Ascent Health & Sport Therapy

Red Deer PCN:

• Pure Red Deer
• Horizon Joint Rejuvenation and Spine Centre

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons Albertans seek care and remains a leading cause of disability and lost productivity. By incorporating chiropractic care directly into Alberta’s primary care system, the Low Back on Track pilot creates meaningful improvements in:

• Early access to care
• Reduction of chronic low back pain
• Collaboration between chiropractors and primary care providers

This program reflects a broader commitment to evidence‑based, patient‑centred MSK care and demonstrates how coordinated approaches can improve health outcomes across the province, especially in a system where MSK conditions contribute significantly to disability, high‑cost service use, and unmet care needs.

To learn more about participating clinics and view the full eligibility criteria, visit the Low Back on Track webpage.