Why Chiropractic Care is Safer than Prescription Pain Relief

Introduction:

Orange County and Santa Clara County are suing five major pain medication manufacturers, alleging patient and doctor manipulation to boost narcotics sales, exacerbating California’s prescription drug addiction crisis. Reported by the Los Angeles Times, the lawsuit highlights deceptive marketing tactics targeting medical professionals and patients.

Key Takeaway:

• Orange County and Santa Clara County are suing major pain medication manufacturers for alleged manipulation to boost narcotics sales.
• The lawsuit targets deceptive marketing tactics exacerbating California’s prescription drug addiction crisis.
• Prescription medications like opioids carry addiction risks, masking symptoms without addressing the underlying causes of pain.
• Safer and more effective alternatives exist, such as chiropractic care, which focuses on spinal alignment and holistic healing.
• Chiropractic treatment offers a safer, drug-free option with fewer side effects compared to long-term medication use.

What are the dangers associated with long-term medication use for back pain relief?

Answer: Long-term use of pain medications like opioids poses serious risks including addiction and fatal overdoses. Alternative treatments like chiropractic care offer safer and often more effective relief without relying on drugs.

Five of the world’s largest pain medication manufacturers are being sued by Orange County and Santa Clara County over allegations of patient and doctor manipulation to increase narcotics sales. A report in the Los Angeles Times, published on May 21st, 2014, describes how the lawsuit, being brought on behalf of the entire State of California, alleges that the drug companies used deceptive and immoral marketing ploys to dupe medical professionals and patients alike.

The action is being brought to bear as a result of California’s disproportionate level of prescription drug addiction and associated overdose deaths. While the two California counties are bringing about the litigation, the real victims are those patients who become addicted to Opioids after long term use for back pain relief or management of other sources of chronic pain.

The Dangers of Medication for Back Pain Relief

Many of us, at some point in our lives will suffer acute or chronic back pain, as a result of which the first port of call will normally be a general medical practitioner. Very often, we’ll leave the doctor’s clinic with a prescription for pain relief medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Tylenol or perhaps even Opioids such as OxyContin. Quite possibly we’ll find ourselves heading to the local pharmacy to collect a cocktail of more than one brand of medication.

However none of these medications can be used without risk of harmful side effects. Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs greatly increases the risk of heart conditions and gastrointestinal problems. Perhaps even more seriously though, Opioids, the subject of the California lawsuit, are seriously addictive, especially for long-term users and fatal overdoses are all too common.

If you are suffering with terrible back aches on a regular basis, taking medication might bring you some initial relief from your discomfort. However these medications do nothing to remedy the condition causing your pain – They merely mask the symptoms. There are alternative treatments which are not only safer, but are often more effective than physical therapy techniques for back pain for treating the causes of lower back pain and similar sources of discomfort.

Alternative Ways to get Back Pain Relief:

From simple measures that you can try yourself, including application of cold packs and heating pads and taking natural medications, through exercise programs, to physical therapy and chiropractic treatment, you may find an effective way to manage and even eliminate the pain of a spinal condition. You may need to use medication for a while, simply to ease discomfort sufficiently to be able to handle these treatments. Anything though, is better than relying only on drugs over the long term. Many people find chiropractic treatment to be the most effective solution for back pain relief. Apart from being a safe form of treatment, chiropractic adjustment is proven to have more likelihood of success than medication.

Chiropractic Adjustment – Safe and Drug-Free :

If you visit a chiropractor, he or she will study your medical history, perform an examination and may carry out some tests or use diagnostic imaging to ensure that chiropractic treatment will be appropriate for treating your neck or lower back pain. Once satisfied that the treatment is suitable, the chiropractor will begin treatment using a process of manipulation to work on your spinal alignment. Acute and chronic back pain often results from spinal misalignments putting pressure on your nerves. Chiropractic treatment aims to improve alignment and so reduce your discomfort.

The process of Chiropractic spinal adjustment is inherently safe, as evidenced by at least five government studies carried out in various countries over the last 25 years. This form of treatment has undergone more scrutiny and assessment than most healthcare interventions. A course of chiropractic adjustment has been found by studies to be up to 250 times safer than a course of anti-inflammatory medication as a treatment for back and neck pain. In terms of efficacy, a number of studies carried out in the US have shown spinal manipulation to be more effective than other treatments in at least 85% of cases.

In addition to the hands-on treatment, your chiropractor will typically give you a program of exercise to perform at home as well as advice on diet and nutrition to aid the healing process. One of the major benefits of chiropractic treatment is that as well as spinal alignment, it can often address deeper bodily dysfunction. Unlike long term treatment with medication, chiropractic adjustment has few side effects and addresses the underlying problems of your pain, rather than just managing the pain itself. If you are located in California and want to receive treatment for neck or back pain without medication, our chiropractors at OC Wellness Physicians Medical Center can provide you with safe, effective, long term relief from discomfort.

OCWP Chiropractic Care :

At OCWP, our chiropractors are highly skilled, licensed and have many years of experience in successfully relieving patients from neck, joint and lower back pain. We provide superior service to our clients and you can be confident in our professional and respectful approach to treating your condition. If you or a loved one would like to benefit from drug and side effect-free management of acute or chronic pain, don’t hesitate to give us a call on (657) 837-2608. Alternatively pay a visit to our website and book an appointment online.