There is a growing problem in the country with the overuse of opioids, which are narcotic pain medications. Some of the common opioids are hydrocodone and oxycodone, known under commercial names like Percocet, Vicodin, OxyContin and others. They are generally prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. They can produce a euphoric effect, sometimes leading to abuse, which can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there has been a 300 percent increase in the prescription of opioids since 1999. Late last year the CDC issued a draft Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain, essentially urging careful consideration for such prescriptions along the course of treatment.

One of the CDC guidelines is that non-drug therapy is the preferred first step in treating chronic pain. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has praised the CDC for that position. Chiropractic treatment does not include surgery or drug prescription. And numerous studies have found chiropractic to be effective treatment for lower back pain along with many others. “Patients with pain should receive treatment that provides the greatest benefits relative to risks,” the CDC wrote in its guidelines, which were published in the Federal Register on Dec. 14. If you’re experiencing pain, talk with a chiropractor to see what your non-drug treatment options may be.  

Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Jeff