This week’s guest blog looks at the role chiropractic care can have in the efforts for safer opioid prescribing. As we continue to battle the evolving opioid crisis, we can’t lose sight of the need to explore alternatives to opioids for pain.
Notice: This article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). This information should not be construed as legal advice from the author or PDFNJ. Please consult your own attorney before making any legal decisions.
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Chiropractic Care is Shown to Reduce Drug Use & Improve Performance According to New Research
by David I Graber, DC, DACBSP
The results of the latest research are in. They show that people who are under chiropractic care for back and neck pain have lower opioid drug use, take fewer medications, have fewer adverse effects from taking medications, and have fewer surgeries performed on them. Some of the findings were so dramatic that even I, a practicing chiropractor and teacher for over 35 years, was surprised.
People with back or neck pain who saw a chiropractor within one month of the tart of their pain, use less opioids. A 2022 study revealed that chiropractic patients had approximately half the odds of reporting an opioid prescription compared to those who did not see a chiropractor. Half! Another study found that patients who saw a doctor of chiropractic rather than a primary care medical doctor first for low back pain had 90% decreased odds of both early and long-term opioid use! There are approximately 3 million American citizens that have had or currently suffer from opioid use disorder (OUD). The impact on reducing opioid use in the US from more of these people using chiropractic care could be huge.
In addition to lower opioid use, chiropractic patients have been shown to use less medications overall. These include the muscle relaxant benzodiazepine ( such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc.), gabapentin, and prescription pain medications.
Harmful side effects, known as adverse drug effects or ADE, from medications are always a risk when prescribing them to treat any condition. Pain medications for spine pain, such as over the counter and prescription NSAID’s (i.e. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Celebrex, etc.) and opioids are associated with a high occurrence of ADE’s. A study out of New Hampshire found that the overall risk of an ADE was significantly lower among recipients of chiropractic services for low back pain as compared with nonrecipients. The authors of the study noted that these differences between those who received chiropractic care and those that did not were “impressive.”
Chiropractic patients have been shown to have a lower rate of spinal surgery. A study of workers with back injuries who first saw a surgeon had a surgery rate of 42.7%. In contrast, only 1.5% of those who saw a chiropractor first needed surgery. A dramatic difference indeed. Further, an article published in the journal BMJ Open found that patients with a lumbar disc herniation with sciatica (leg pain) who underwent chiropractic care had significantly less odds for needing surgery at 1 and 2 year follow-ups.
In addition to reducing the need for drugs to treat painful conditions, chiropractic care has been shown to prevent injuries. Doctors of Chiropractic have been utilized by professional athletes for many years. In fact, every team in the NFL employs a chiropractor as part of their medical team to help manage and prevent injuries. 30 major league baseball teams have a team chiropractor. These teams and their athletes have found that chiropractic interventions, such as spinal and extremity manipulation, and soft tissue therapies, are effective in the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries.
One of the most surprising and exciting findings in the power of preventing injuries of chiropractic care was found in patients 65 years old and older. In a study on Medicare users of chiropractic care, there was evidence of a protective effect of chiropractic care against 1-year declines in functional and self-rated health with spine conditions. The chiropractic care users had less declines in ADLs and difficulty in lifting, reaching, and walking several blocks. Chiropractic users also reported higher satisfaction with follow-up care and information provided about what is wrong with them.
People who suffer from spinal pain conditions, who want to prevent injuries, or want to improve their ability to function in their normal daily life may find proven benefits from the drugless care of a chiropractor. To find a chiropractor who may be able to help you, contact the Association of New jersey Chiropractors Find a Doctor: https://anjc.ce21.com/Directory
About the blogger:
Dr. David Graber is a sports chiropractor practicing in Parsippany, New Jersey and a board member of the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors (ANJC). The ANJC shares the goals of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey to reduce drug use among New Jersey citizens and promote greater health and wellbeing.
Notice: This article reflects the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ). This information should not be construed as legal advice from the author or PDFNJ. Please consult your own attorney before making any legal decisions.