Why Chiropractic Care Is a Safe and Effective Alternative for Back Pain and Sciatica Relief

Every year in the United States, people pop over thirty billion doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Motrin, Excedrin, Aleve, and Advil. These over-the-counter meds are staples in many household medicine cabinets, frequently used by adults and even kids who believe they're taking a safe step towards health.

NSAIDs alleviate pain and inflammation by blocking substances called prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and other bodily functions. While they offer temporary relief, this comes with a downside. Prostaglandins also protect the stomach lining from the harsh acidic digestive fluids. When NSAIDs reduce these protective prostaglandins, the stomach lining becomes more susceptible to damage, leading to digestive tract injuries—a significant side effect of regular NSAID use.

Shockingly, some health experts believe over 16,000 deaths annually in the U.S. are linked to NSAID use, especially among individuals with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. To put that in perspective, it’s about the same number of people who die from HIV each year. And some believe the actual number of NSAID-related fatalities could be even higher.

This is where chiropractic care comes into play. It offers a crucial alternative, helping people of all ages avoid the regular intake of anti-inflammatory pills. Chiropractors are dedicated to educating and treating their patients using drug-free methods. A chiropractic adjustment can provide relief from spinal stress and nerve interference that lead to pain, inflammation, and other health issues. Moreover, chiropractors strive to inform both their patients and the public about how scientific research supports best practices for managing symptoms and diseases naturally.

For conditions like acute back pain and sciatica, which are major causes of disability and reduced quality of life, chiropractic care proves highly beneficial. Recent studies have shown that specific chiropractic adjustments to the lower back completely resolved sciatica symptoms in over 55 percent of cases. Those with low back pain who underwent chiropractic adjustments reported five times the improvement compared to those who didn’t receive such care.

Chiropractic not only improves quality of life but also helps individuals reduce pain and enhance functionality without resorting to dangerous medications. Millions already regard chiropractic care as their primary choice for managing symptoms and overall health challenges. Ongoing and future research continues to validate and expand the role of chiropractic care in everyone’s health regimen, promoting a healthy spine and nervous system from an early age. This makes chiropractic an essential part of family healthcare plans everywhere.

The Spine Journal: official journal of the North American Society March-April 2006
"Chiropratic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations." V Santilli, E Beghi, S Finucci