The Opioid Crisis: Declared a Public Health Emergency

In the U.S., nearly half of the adult population struggles with chronic pain, and many start using opioids with the simple goal of finding relief. Typically, these prescriptions come from healthcare professionals, who are themselves well aware of the risks involved. A poignant finding from a 2017 Annals of Medicine study showed that opioids offer no long-term relief for chronic pain, yet they significantly increase the risk of harm.

The crisis has grown so severe that President Trump not only issued an executive order but also established a task force focused on raising awareness and providing support to tackle the epidemic. A particularly heart-wrenching aspect of the crisis is the toll it takes on the youngest. Studies indicate that every 25 minutes, a baby is born suffering from opioid addiction, which costs an estimated $150 billion annually to address.

Chiropractors are emerging as key players in this crisis. With over a century of evidence supporting the crucial link between the nervous system and pain management, chiropractic care offers a promising non-drug alternative. Many who have been ensnared by opioids have managed to reduce or even stop their drug use entirely by turning to chiropractic treatments.

A 2014 study shed light on why chiropractic methods are so effective. It explained that natural movements of the spine, essential for daily activities, can align the nervous system and reduce pain. Chiropractors assess and correct these misalignments, leading to improved bodily function and less pain.

Chiropractic care stands out as a highly effective and non-invasive solution to the opioid epidemic. It eschews drugs, relying instead on enhancing the body's natural ability to heal and function, promoting recovery through better communication between the brain and body.

It's clear that addressing this crisis goes beyond just managing symptoms with medications—it requires a comprehensive approach that includes alternative therapies like chiropractic care, which offers healing without the risks associated with drugs.

Journal of the American Osteopath Association December 1979
“The spinal cord as organizer of disease processes: Hyperactivity of sympathetic innervation as a common factor is disease.” IM Korr