Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Chiropractic is based on the approach of helping your body to naturally heal through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that stimulate overall health. For Dr. Conlee, this means working to restore your body's healthy performance to prevent the need for medications or surgical treatments. We notice that most of our Tucson patients are relieved to find a natural answer for their health conditions.

One advantage of chiropractic treatment is that it helps people minimize or even eliminate the use of narcotics. Prescription medications are frequently supplied to individuals who have back pain. This is such a significant crisis that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a news release stating that opioid (painkiller) risks outweigh the benefits when prescribed for back pain.

Some of the most popular opiates, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Statistics provided by the AAN mention the fact that roughly 50% of the people taking these types of substances for a period of three months are still taking them five years later. This can further complicate the issue of back pain and recovery, particularly if an opiate dependency occurs.

Compare that to chiropractic care which engages natural healing and the benefits are obvious. While a drug might be useful at temporarily relieving the discomfort of a health problem, it's not a real solution to the problem. A drug won't fix your injured spine; it will only cover up the pain.

How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help You?

Dr. Conlee will first examine you to get to the origin of your back pain and then work with you to correct the spinal interference -- without the need for risky drugs.

If you're ready for pain relief, naturally, give our Tucson office a call at (520) 322-6161 to make an appointment with Dr. Conlee.

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