Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Chiropractic is based on the philosophy of helping your body to heal naturally through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that encourage overall health. For Jefferson Spine & Injury Center, this involves working to reestablish your body's normal performance to avoid the need for drugs or surgical treatments. We notice that most of our Arlington patients are relieved to find a natural answer for their health issues.

One benefit of chiropractic care is that it helps people reduce or eliminate the use of narcotics. Prescriptions are commonly supplied to people who have back problems. This is such a serious concern that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a report stating that opioid (painkiller) dangers overshadow the advantages when prescribed for back pain.

Some of the most well-known opiates, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Statistics offered by the AAN mention the fact that about 50% of the people taking these drugs for a period of three months are still taking them five years later. This can further complicate the difficulty of back pain and healing, particularly if an narcotic dependency arises.

Contrast that to chiropractic care which engages natural healing and the benefits are clear. While a drug might be useful at temporarily reducing the discomfort of a health problem, it's not a real solution to the problem. Drugs can't fix your injured back; it will only mask the pain.

How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help You?

Jefferson Spine & Injury Center will first examine you to get to the origin of your back problems and then work with you to eliminate the problem -- without any risky drugs.

If you're ready to get out of pain, naturally, give our Arlington office a call at (703) 933-9000 to make an appointment with Jefferson Spine & Injury Center.

References

• Risk of opioids outweigh benefits for headache, low back pain, other conditions. American Academy of Neurology;September 29, 2014.
• What are opioids? National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids