Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Chiropractic is based on the concept of allowing your body to heal naturally through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that stimulate overall health. For Dr. Poelking, this involves working hard to reestablish your body's natural performance to prevent the need for medications or surgery. We find that many of our Kettering patients are pleased to find a natural approach for their health issues.

One advantage of chiropractic is that it helps people decrease or even eliminate the use of narcotics. Prescription medications are frequently supplied to individuals who have back problems. This is such a serious concern that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a press release stating that opioid (painkiller) risks overshadow the benefits when administered for back pain.

Some of the most common narcotics, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Statistics presented by the AAN mention the fact that approximately 50% of the patients taking these types of substances for a period of three months are still dependent on them five years later. This can further complicate the difficulty of back pain and healing, especially if an opiate dependency occurs.

Compare that to chiropractic care which incorporates natural healing and the advantages are clear. While a medication might be helpful at temporarily suppressing the discomfort of a health problem, it's not a solution to the problem. Drugs don't mend your injured back; it will only cover up the pain.

Dr. Poelking will first examine you to get to the root of your back problems and then work with you to eliminate the spinal interference -- without risky medications.

If you're ready to get out of pain, naturally, give our Kettering office a call at (937) 299-2900 to make an appointment with Dr. Poelking.

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
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  1. chiropractor

    For over 20 years, Poelking Chiropractic has been treating patients in the Dayton Ohio area (Kettering, Centerville, Oakwood, Beavercreek, Belmont, Fairborn, Springboro...). Through chiropractic care and other non-invasive methods, we provide effective relief for those suffering from disc bulges/protrusions/herniations, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, sciatica, arthritis, whiplash and other causes of neck and low back pain.