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Chiropractic Treatment Provides Pain Relief Alternatives to Opioid Use

Written By Pro Care Health Center on October 18, 2018

Opioid addiction is a growing problem in the U.S. and for many sufferers, their first use of opioids comes from a prescription for pain relief after an accident on the water.

Because of the devastating effects addiction has on sufferers and their families, many doctors are recommending pain relief alternatives such as chiropractic treatment. 

The Dangers of Using Opioids as Pain Relief

According a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 350,000 thousand people died from using opioids between 1999 and 2016. This figure includes both illegal and prescription use.

In 2013, the number of deaths related to use of the synthetic drug fentanyl increased significantly.

However, death by overdose is not the only risk involved in using opioids as pain relief. Side effects of use can include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness and fatigue
  • Sleeping problems
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea

Why Use a Natural Pain Relief Such as Chiropractic Treatment?

The American College of Physicians recommends that initial treatment for chronic and lower back pain should consist of non-invasive techniques. Drug therapy should be the last resort and natural pain relief alternatives should be explored first.

It’s now known that opioids are highly addictive, can produce negative side effects, and overdose frequently occurs. Because of this, many people are turning to chiropractic treatment as a form of natural pain relief.

How a Chiropractor Can Relieve Your Pain

Your chiropractor will conduct an initial assessment to discover or confirm your diagnosis. Because they work from a holistic viewpoint, they look at the body as a whole and not just a set of symptoms that need to be treated.

A good chiropractor, such as Pro Care Health Center’s Dr. Shaw, has received an extensive education  of how the spinal column works and how it interacts with the nervous system and various other tissues, cells, and organs in the body. 

How Your Chiropractor Works

Correcting spinal abnormalities and healing injuries is necessary to reduce pain and other symptoms for patients. That is because your chiropractor gets to the root of your problem and eradicates the pain. Pain-killers such as opioids may reduce pain, but they don’t address the initial cause or injury.

Your chiropractor can also make recommendations regarding minerals and vitamins that may help to strengthen your bones and organs because a stronger body will reduce pain.

Contact Pro Care Health Center to discuss pain relief alternatives for lower back pain.


Posted In: Chiropractic