Chiropractic: A Natural Alternative to Opioids
By Debra Rodzinak
The dangers of opioid medicine can include addiction, anxiety, and an overall feeling of anxiety and fear when the prescription is not renewed. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is focusing its efforts to bring attention to alternatives to opiates to manage pain. Currently, there is a “U.S. opioid epidemic” that is sweeping the nation. The ACA is encouraging physicians to try conservative methods to pain management before prescribing pain medication.
A Conservative Approach to Pain Management
During October, the ACA raised awareness to the value of using an overall conservative approach when dealing with pain management. Since almost everyone will experience pain in some form or fashion in their lifetime, the different ways to deal with pain should be explored. If a patient is handed an opioid prescription first, when the prescription is not renewed, the pain may return and the patient may feel fear and anger. Therefore, exploring other pain management options are best for most patients.
Conservative Measures
Doctors and patients should look at opiates as a last resort in controlling pain after all other conservative measures have been exhausted. Some successful conservative measures for back pain include:
- Exercise
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Chiropractic
Chiropractic addresses the source of the pain, unlike opioids which only mask the pain. Therefore, it makes sense to try chiropractic first before moving on to potentially addictive opioids.
Spinal Manipulation
Doctors of chiropractic use natural methods to treat pain. Spinal manipulation is a proven successful natural treatment for spinal and joint pain. Many studies have confirmed that spinal manipulation is an effective treatment option for acute and chronic spinal and joint pain. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests using chiropractic methods for pain management.
If you are suffering from acute or chronic spinal and joint pain, come to The Joint for relief of your pain without the use of opioids. At The Joint, doctors of chiropractic work with patients to develop a plan of treatment that puts the patient in control. The Joint is reinventing the chiropractic experience by putting the patient in charge. It’s on your terms, not ours.
No appointment times are needed, so patients seeking immediate pain relief and treatment options can simply walk in at any location to begin their path to wellness. With no pesky insurance forms to fill out or appointment times to remember, finding pain relief naturally is easy and stress-free at The Joint.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
