Opioid medications (including morphine, hydrocodone, tramadol, and fentanyl) were originally intended for pain associated with cancer and the end stages of life, and have been found less effective to treat noncancerous, chronic pain. However, for many years, these medications have been prescribed for all types of pain coming from a wide range of causes. Our current epidemic of opioid overuse and abuse has led the medical community to re-evaluate the use of conservative treatments to common conditions such as low back pain.
Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, and is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office. It is estimated that 80% of the population will have a back problem at some point in their life, and 31 million Americans are experiencing low back pain at any given moment.
In 2017 the American College of Physicians updated its treatment guidelines for low back pain to support conservative care including chiropractic spinal manipulation, massage, acupuncture, and heat therapy as options for non-pharmacologic treatment options. Only when such treatments provide little or no relief should patients be recommended ibuprofen or muscle relaxants, and prescription opioids should be a last resort.
So what can you do to help end the national opioid epidemic?
- Be informed, and share this information with friends and family, so that you and your loved ones try effective conservative treatments first when experiencing pain. Of course, we hope you chose Body Logic as your source for chiropractic care and massage!
- Reduce misuse of prescription medication by disposing of your unused prescription medications in a safe way. Information on the Prescription Medication Take Back Program in Virginia Beach can be found by clicking