Finding the best and safest pain management has become a topical issue in light of the devastating opioid epidemic sweeping the U.S. Often prescribed for pain relief, the use of opioids such oxycodone, morphine, and methadone, has been on the rise, and so is the addiction.
It is estimated that 1 out of 4 patients that are prescribed opioids for pain management end up dependent and addicted to the drug. This results in over 1,000 visits to the E.R. every day from opioid overdoses.
In 2014 alone, more than 14,000 people died of overdoses from opioid drugs.
So what can you do the help protect yourself from this deadly epidemic?
While no one should live in pain, opioids should not always be the first and only option for pain management. Due to the high risk of addiction when using opioids, exhausting all non-drug treatments for pain relief should be a priority for patients. As a patient, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about non-drug treatments for pain relief, due to the high risk of addiction when using opioids.
There is growing research that chiropractic care is an effective alternative for acute pain in patients.
Moreover, treating pain with just drugs can alter the healing time and in some cases create new injuries as the root of the pain is masked; when this happens, overexertion becomes more likely and can even lead to new injuries.
With chiropractic care, the root of the pain is addressed while also providing pain relief. This, coupled with routine physical therapy, and various passive therapies, can be an efficient way to find pain relief without the danger of narcotics.
However, some injuries will continue to require opioid treatments but should be prescribed as a last resort, and taken only for a specific period of time.
If you find yourself injured and facing the possibility of requiring opioid drugs for pain relief, reach out to us and we will work with you to discuss all of the options for pain management. If we see fit, we will create a detailed plan for managing your pain through chiropractic care and get you back on your feet.
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