The use of opiates has been a longstanding first-line treatment for both acute and chronic pain. Consequently, this trend is the “opioid epidemic.” The opioid epidemic refers to the overuse and abuse of prescription opioids for the treatment of pain.
What patients may not know, however, is that going to a chiropractor can eliminate the need for opiate use. As a result, eliminating the possibility of opioid abuse.
Long-term opioid therapy increases the risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that among the 350,000 people who died from opioid overdose between 1999-2014 were patients who were prescribed opiates. Despite skepticism about chiropractic treatment, the techniques are scientifically proven as effective and safe. Chiropractors relieve pain using natural techniques and reduce the chance for opioid addiction or abuse.
Chiropractic Treatment vs. Opiates
Chiropractic treatment involves the use of natural, drug-free techniques such as Active Release Technique (ART) and Myofascial Release to reduce and alleviate various types of pain. There is no risk for addiction, as there is with opiates. A chiropractor can treat the various types of pain:
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Spinal injury pain
- Hip pain
- Wrist pain
- Neck pain
- Sports injury pain
- Knee pain
- Strains and sprains
Opiates are narcotic prescription painkillers that people use to treat moderate to severe pain that painkillers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol do not relieve.
Opioids work by binding receptors in the brain to block the feeling of pain, but carry a risk of serious side effects.
Chiropractic Techniques for Back Pain
Back pain may occur after a fall, trauma, bad posture, incorrect lifting, or a medical condition. Various non-surgical chiropractic techniques can effectively treat chronic or acute back pain.
Techniques that are proven to reduce and eliminate pain and inflammation include:
- Spinal Manipulation (adjust and realign the spine using application of force)
- Spinal Decompression (using traction force to gently stretch the spine)
- Massage (using ART or trigger point therapy)
- Physical Therapy (to strengthen back muscles)
Because of the risk of opioids complications, there is an increasing recognition of the need for a non-drug approach toward the treatment of back pain. For that reason, the American College of Physicians (ACP) has begun updating its guidelines recommending that chiropractic care be the first line of treatment. Some states have begun approving legislation in favor of this recommendation.
Above all, if you suffer from back pain, you should consider the risk of opiate use against the safe and effective techniques of chiropractic care. When choosing a chiropractor, look for one who has experience and has the necessary certification to practice.
