River North – Chicago, IL – Opioid prescription use continues to rise each year. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the percentage of patients getting drug therapy is a whopping 75%. The problem with this is that medications simply mask symptoms rather than help to treat the condition entirely. An alternative for taking opioid prescriptions is chiropractic care. More and more people are seeking treatments from a chiropractor to treat symptoms usually treated with prescription medications.
Opioid prescription use has become an epidemic problem. Although there is a purpose behind these treatments, being over prescribed has only encouraged risks for addiction. Chiropractors never prescribe medications. Chiropractic care can help patients experience immediate relief. Opioids usually have a long list of negative effects and side effects that can leave patients feeling worse than prior to taking them. Prescription medications also can leave lasting negative impacts on the brain. National Institute on Drug Abuse states that “Stimulants such as Ritalin achieve their effects by acting on the same neurotransmitter systems as cocaine. Opioid pain relievers such as OxyContin attach to the same cell receptors targeted by illegal opioids like heroin.” Even when used under direct recommendations, opioids can still negatively cause impacts to your health.
In contrast to medication use, a chiropractor can provide treatments for the following
conditions, all without the negative side effects of toxic medications:
- Back pain
- Irregular bowel movements
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Asthma
- Joint and Muscle pain
- Carpal tunnel
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Whiplash
- Sciatica
Seeking chiropractic care is a more holistic and effective alternative to traditional western medicine treatments. Opioid medications typically used to treat these conditions will only mask their symptoms, allowing the condition to remain in the body and potentially get worse. A chiropractor will work to find the root of the condition and treat it with effective methods, rather than just treating the symptoms. Symptoms only occur as a result of the condition being present. Chiropractors get rid of the problem. Over time, patients will spend a lot of money in health care trying to treat their conditions with opioids, medications that only provide temporary relief, if not more damage to their bodies. Chiropractic care can save patients time and money by curing them of their conditions altogether.
The Illinois Chiropractic Society was able to negotiate the following during the 2017 Legislative Session, “The bill now clarifies the ability for various healthcare providers, including chiropractic physicians, to practice telemedicine in Illinois.” The bill also addressed the ability for a chiropractor to be able to treat an emancipated minor for services. Passes like this show that people understand the need and benefits of these treatments.
Chiropractors provide patients with a more hands-on and manipulative treatment that does not involve ingestion of toxic opioid medications. Chiropractic care is also beneficial and safe for people of all ages, which makes it more accessible. It is safe and non-invasive and more preferred among patients. As people become more aware of all the ways they inadvertently ingest more toxins in their bodies, they are also becoming more aware of healthier alternatives to get rid of those toxins. Chiropractors are well-educated and licensed to practice health care that is directly related to muscles, joints, spine and ligaments. They are medical professionals who can provide you with the confidence that you will be receiving effective and safe treatment.
