It's entirely possible now to reduce the need for surgeries and drugs for many illnesses. Some healthcare professionals started to examine and realize the value of non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical options in treating pain like acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and the most popular chiropractic care. If these activities can be effective also to reduce musculoskeletal pain, then it's about time to decrease the use of opioids for patients too.
Identifying Opioids
It is an analgesic that is commonly utilized to treat chronic and acute pain. In 2016, almost 60 million patients had one prescription for opioids has been refilled. But, the use of this analgesic as prescribed medication for many patients has led them to opioids addiction that seizes the nation.
As people know, musculoskeletal problems, mainly back and neck pain, affected several individuals each year. It added massive costs to the healthcare system. In other cases, it is believed that the use of opioids and surgery, or both are the two choices left for people suffering from neck and back pain issues.
Opioids Addiction Disadvantages
The abuse usage of opioids has an economic and health effect on the patients and their families, and society. In fact, a recent study shows from Milliman that the yearly impact of opioids analgesics utilized in the US costs almost $180 billion in just a year. Healthcare, treatment for addiction, loss productivity, child and family resistance, mortality costs, and cost involving the criminal justice system are few inclusions to the total billion amount caused by opioid addiction.
Treatment Options To Consider Other Than Opioids
- Physical Therapy
- Acupuncture
- Massage Therapy
- Osteopathic Manipulations
- Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Care: An Alternative Option To Opioid Use
As pieces of evidence continue to grow, proving the dangers and risks associated with the use of opioids for pain relief management. The ACA or American Chiropractic Association gives out a message of precautions to healthcare providers and patients that suggest all parties stop their use.
A recent medical report shows that the increasing numbers of using opioids lead to unrecorded consequences such as higher tolerance to using different drugs like hydrocodone. There are adverse ailment outcomes for processes that treat work-related disorders, like spine surgery and replacements, which are also caused by the use of opioids.
Is Chiropractic An Alternative Medicine
It's not a secret that chiropractic care helps many people overcome their neck and back discomfort, treating thousands of people every year.
However, many are still in doubt and unsure when it comes to this procedure. Knowing exactly what chiropractic care is and identifying whether it is secure and safe, patients can decide whether it's the proper treatment for their discomfort and pain.
Chiropractic is a kind of alternative medicine designed to aid issues involving the musculoskeletal system. Although chiropractic care is considered alternative medicine, chiropractors need to have a degree and be highly educated.
There are several methods that chiropractic utilizes to treat individuals. It includes the use of ice and heat, rehabilitation exercises, and relaxation techniques. Usually, chiropractic care is used to treat problems with the spine, lower back, and neck.
Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe?
The reports on the negative experiences with chiropractic care never existed since it was designed as a treatment option. A licensed and skilled chiropractor can help locate and diagnose the right source of pain. Then, they will use procedures to relieve the pain, pressure, and tension without causing any additional harm or putting the patient at any risk.
The primary method they use is spinal manipulation, which most patients when undergoing chiropractic care. Many other methods include chiropractic care, and they are all safe to be used to relieve pressure and pain.
Chiropractic care shares the same goal as that of any traditional methods of treating back pain. But chiropractic focuses more on mechanical issues opposing disorders caused by illness or disease.
Chiropractic care treats almost any kind of pain that doesn't require surgical procedures. In case a surgical method is needed, a chiropractor may refer you to a good surgeon or specialist for the surgery.
Several instances that chiropractic care has worked well for patients. They found success in using traditional methods, ultimately receiving positive outcomes of treating back pain by various chiropractic procedures.
When to Visit a Chiropractor
A chiropractor can treat any discomfort and pain that doesn't need surgery. And below are the most common reasons why you should consider chiropractic care:
- Muscle or joint pain
- Chronic back pain
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches
If you are experiencing pain in your back, spine, or neck, and you want to consider chiropractic care as an alternative option, make sure you are dealing with the right professional. It is not easy to find these days a reliable one who is expert enough in this field. But definitely, chiropractic care is a well-thought alternative to relieve pain and resolve spine and muscle issues without drug prescription.
Chiropractic Care Mission
Chiropractic doctors want to reduce pain by improving one's movement and ensuring right extremity and spine function. The more conservative the approach is, the more it will become practical to minimize pain and prevent the use of opioids. Research and studies are now starting to notice and consider this option.
Conclusion
The value of the prescribed pain medication like opioids is not a question. It is not to dispute the fact that opioids can be effective analgesics to relieve pain. Their purpose has also been served: to provide people a welcome relief of the pain they are experiencing, including chronic pain and cancer. But when it turns out to be addictive, the effectiveness is only short-term, and one still needs to endure the pain, even after taking it. There is nothing wrong with trying a better option in treating diseases, for as long as it is safe and you are not putting your life at risk or in danger. Further research would help if you wanted to consider alternative help than the use of opioids drugs.
