The Benefits of Chiropractic Over Traditional Pain Medication

Have you ever considered how chiropractic care might stack up against common pain relievers like Tylenol, NSAIDs, and even opioids? Well, recent studies have shown that chiropractic treatments may not only be a match but might actually be a better choice for tackling back pain. It turns out that over 80% of us will experience back pain at some point, with millions feeling its sting daily. Traditionally, the go-to solution has been to reach for the nearest bottle of pills, but chiropractic care offers a route that goes right to the root of the problem, avoiding the mere masking of symptoms that medications often do.

When it comes to pain relief, the usual suspects include Tylenol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs like aspirin and Advil, and opioids. Each of these comes with its baggage of potential risks.

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): While it’s the most widely used non-opioid painkiller worldwide, recent findings link it to serious health issues such as liver and kidney disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and even an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially at higher doses.

NSAIDs: These are often prescribed for chronic pain in older adults and are linked to a doubled risk of heart failure, as well as higher chances of gastrointestinal issues and even heart attacks or strokes.

Opioids: The side effects here include depression, sexual dysfunction, addiction, and a significantly increased risk of death from overdose. The opioid crisis has become a global epidemic, wreaking havoc on countless lives and communities.

Chiropractic care, on the other hand, has been shown to reduce the risk of these scary drug side effects by 51%, according to a 2018 study. It not only alleviates pain but also reduces the need for drugs, which decreases the chances of experiencing adverse effects from medications.

It seems that many adults are catching on to the benefits of non-drug approaches. Nearly 80% of adults express a preference for non-pharmacological treatments over medications for pain management. This shift is largely due to the growing awareness of the long-term damage and dependency that can come from traditional drug treatments.

The rise in chiropractic care is a testament to its effectiveness and the growing desire for healthier, sustainable methods of managing pain. Chiropractors not only provide relief but also contribute to a significant reduction in the need for drug prescriptions and the risks associated with them.

Embracing chiropractic care can be a transformative step towards a healthier, more sustainable future in pain management, offering a scientifically backed, drug-free approach to healing. It's about choosing wellness over temporary fixes, and many are already reaping the benefits.

Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapies, June 2018
"Association Between Utilization of Chiropractic Services for Treatment of Low Back Pain and Risk of Adverse Drug Events."
JM Whedon, AWJ Toler, JM Goehl, LA Kazal