Alternatives to Opioids for Pain
By Debra Rodzinak
October was National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM), but the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is continuing its efforts to bring awareness to how a conservative approach to pain management is valid, relevant and preferable, especially with the epidemic of opioid abuse in the United States.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death with almost 50,000 accidental overdoses in 2014. Pain relievers were the top reason for overdose death, bringing to light the need for a non-addictive means to pain relief.
A Natural Option to Pain Relief
An all-natural line of defense against pain is chiropractic care. If a patient’s reliance on opioids or other pain relievers is preventable, then every opportunity and means should be used to treat pain that is all-natural and not nearly as risky -- or addictive.
In the U.S., 1 out of 4 people who struggle with addiction do so in relation to prescription opioids. In fact, according to recent data, more than 1,000 people daily are treated in emergency rooms for abusing prescription opioids.
Therefore, it is vital that treatment options for pain that do not involve the risk of addiction be used. Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor does not include use of any type of drug. In fact, the chiropractic community believes that the body is the best line of defense in healing the body. Many studies have concluded that spinal manipulation is highly effective in treating and relieving acute and chronic pain that occurs in the musculoskeletal region.
The Value of Chiropractic
With the explosion of the opioid epidemic, many different health care organizations are recommending natural treatments like chiropractic. Reputable organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the National Pain Strategy, recognize the value of chiropractic for natural pain management.
This past fall during National Chiropractic Health Month, the ACA provided chiropractors with information pertaining to the chiropractic profession’s conservative approach to pain relief and the overall importance to the consumer. They hope that by raising awareness to the options of pain relief that addiction rates can be decreased.
If you are looking for a natural path to pain relief, come by The Joint Chiropractic for a gentle spinal adjustment. At The Joint, there are no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember. With over 360 locations nationwide, finding a location that is convenient to you is easy. Walk in to The Joint today to begin your natural path to a pain-free life and overall wellness.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.