Opioids act on receptors in the brain. Signals sent to opioid receptors block pain and lead to feelings of euphoria. Different types of opioids vary in form (i.e. powder, tar, pill, liquid), potency, duration of effects, manner of production, and potential for addiction.

How are they prescribed?

Fentanyl, morphine, and heroin represent the most popular form of opioids prescribed before 1999. These forms of opioids use required injection, thus limiting the availability and audience to which these dangerous drugs were subject through prescriptions. A new initiative developed in 2001 alleged to help doctors better treat pain. The Joint Commission rolled out a set of Pain Management Standards to help grow the idea of pain as a fifth vital sign. The plan required healthcare providers to ask every patient about their pain, due to the questionable perception that pain was being under-treated. Many questioned this new change and realized that a few pharmaceutical companies were connected to the shift.  Those companies put guidelines in a play to make money a part of the agenda.

The epidemic…

The U.S. experienced a surge in opioid prescriptions since 2001. A subsequent increase in overdoses and deaths tied to these painkillers also traces back to 2001. The deadly storm of opioid harm continues to ravage virtually every community in America. Opioid addiction comes in overt forms with drug abusers and as a hidden shame to the thousands silently controlled by their need for pain medications. The treatment of pain demands a revolutionary turnaround in order to minimize the devastation which these addictive opioid drugs created. Chiropractors play a major part in combating the deaths, addictions, and ugly implications of opioid narcotics.

Chiropractic provides a safe and alternative solution for pain sufferers

Chiropractic adjustments do not cure or treat pain. The purpose of a Chiropractic adjustment revolves around improving alignment and mobility in the spine. Better spinal movement and alignment improves function throughout the entire body through better central nervous system communication. The spine intimately connects to the brain and central nervous system. Altered alignment and movement of a spinal vertebra produces nervous system distress and interference in the autonomic nervous system.

Chiropractic adjustments relieve pain and improve function by restoring proper motion and alignment to the spine. This improvement helps reduce chronic and acute pain.  Chiropractors help patients achieve pain relief, better health, and greater well-being without the use of drugs or surgery. People no longer need to rely on unnecessary narcotics or invasive procedures. Chiropractic continues to play a vital role in caring for those in pain while maximizing performance for men, women, and children of all ages. A life free from pain and addiction starts with Chiropractic.

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Opioid drugs rank among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S. military. A 2014 study determined that over 40% of the U.S. infantry reported chronic pain (pain lasting at least 3 months) after deployment, and 15% reported opioid use in the month prior to the survey. Soldiers report greater rates of both chronic pain and opioid use after a combat deployment than does the civilian population. The astronomical rates of chronic pain and medicinal relief triggers rampant misuse of opioid pain medication, producing a significant health concern for military personnel. Prescription drug abuse spiked for military personnel at levels much higher than the civilian population over the past several years. Military servicemen and woman deserve a better approach to dealing with chronic pain and other serious health challenges than the ingestion of harmful and highly addictive opioids.

Chiropractic care represents one of the most effective interventions to address the cause of structural pain. Scientific research proves that Chiropractic care reduces the necessity of opioid drugs and lowers the rates and volume of addiction. More awareness and access to Chiropractic care proves vital to the health and future of the dedicated men and women in the military.

New research evaluated the results of Chiropractic care on veterans who used opioids. Over 14,000 veterans experienced at least one Chiropractic adjustment during the study. Some who received Chiropractic care also took opioids concurrently. One-third of veterans receiving Chiropractic services also held an opioid prescription. Results determined that those who received Chiropractic care reduced their intake of opioids after their first visit. The study suggested that regular Chiropractic care offered a treatment option which replaced opioid therapy for chronic pain conditions. The landmark study served as one of many evidentiary pools of data that reflected the benefits of Chiropractic care for both military personnel and civilians determined to find an alternate solution to opioid use for pain.

Study results combined with previous data and literature suggest that expanding access to Chiropractic care should be a key consideration for the Veterans Affairs. The latest evidence works congruently with the national initiative aimed to increase the use of research-based non-drug treatments for chronic pain. Chiropractic care serves as the most popular and effective non-drug intervention available to help people suffering from chronic pain. The men and women who sacrifice to keep America safe deserve a health care option which fights for them when they conclude their service to others.

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Using opioids goes hand in hand with a myriad of risks and long-term harm. Doctors and patients often assume those risks in exchange for the immediate outcome of pain relief. New research determined that NSAIDs performed better than opioids for people with consistent chronic pain lasting more than six months. Treatment with opioids did not result in better pain-related function over a twelve-month period among patients with chronic back pain, hip pain, or knee osteoarthritis pain. Opioids also caused significantly more medication-related adverse symptoms than non-opioid medications.

The opioid drug and addiction epidemic plaguing America creates an intellectual revolution through necessity. People constantly seek education and treatment methods with less long-term risks and side effects. Few interventions produce more drug-free success stories than Chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate pain and improve whole-body function by gently adjusting the spine to increase alignment and mobility. The initial step in reaping the benefits of Chiropractic comes from awareness of the range of long-term benefits which accompany the nervous system and spinal care.

Pressing a combination of the “control-alt-delete” buttons on a computer commonly resets and reboots a software system. That metaphor applies to the human nervous system each time a skilled Chiropractor administers an adjustment to the central nervous system. The reboot improves alignment, posture, mobility, coordination, and overall function. Better alignment and mobility also reduce pain and improve performance throughout the body.

Evidence-based research and clinical results continue to prove the value of Chiropractic care for people struggling with chronic pain. The first step towards long term relief comes from understanding the health potential which comes from regular Chiropractic care. Studies continue to prove that opioid use and addiction ruin lives and destroy families – usually among people who simply want to experience life without pain. Advances in pharmaceutical pain medications ultimately provide a worse solution than simply relying on basic over-the-counter NSAIDs. A better solution already exists in the form of healing the body and allowing the power within the body to resolve pain permanently. The opioid epidemic proves that the answer for pain and health does not come from a bottle of pills. Chiropractic care offers a path to optimal health by unlocking the healing potential within the body and central nervous system.

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Studies estimate that over half of all people will experience an episode of neck pain at some point in their lifetime. Most neck pain sufferers will rely on symptom-numbing medications for relief. Long term concern radiates from the fact that medications simply cut off the pain signal temporarily. The body’s pain receptors become numbed while never addressing the cause of the pain. As a result, symptoms usually becoming worse and dependency on medication becomes more prevalent. The key to achieving short- and long-term results that last begins with addressing the underlying cause of pain. The type of provider first chosen for alleviation of neck pain symptoms turns out to be the most important decision in achieving successful long-term pain relief.

Recent research shows that Chiropractic provides superior results when compared to other forms of treatment for neck pain

Chiropractic care produced the best outcomes in several categories. These categories include: the lowest rate of opioid prescriptions, lowest use of advanced imaging, lowest referrals for injections, and the lowest surgery rate. In fact, the number of surgeries needed for those who utilized chiropractic care was zero.  Chiropractic provides an important whole-body health improving intervention for those with neck pain. Many people do not get the opportunity to hear about the benefits of Chiropractic.  This is due to the mass marketing and prescription of pharmaceutical drugs touted as the standard of care. Chiropractic not only improves neck pain outcomes for those suffering, but also generates a host of added benefits through the scientific application of the adjustment. 

The success of Chiropractic begins with the purpose and intentionality of nervous system care

Chiropractic does not simply focus on pain relief or symptom reduction. Chiropractic focuses primarily on achieving greater levels of health in the nervous system by improving the alignment and movement of the spine. The unique relationship between the spine and central nervous system allow Chiropractic care to facilitate healing and alleviation of many unwanted symptoms and conditions. Chiropractors focus on improving spinal alignment and mobility.  This allows the nervous system to more clearly communicate with the rest of the body. Research over the last three decades continues to show evidence supporting the history of Chiropractic care and the results seen in clinics all over the world. Pain reduction proves to be just one of the many benefits achieved through the influence of a Chiropractic adjustment. Other functions proven to be influenced by a Chiropractic adjustment include improved breathing, better sleep, stronger immunity, increased mobility, better heart function, and many more.

Neck pain signals an indication that an underlying cause exists in the spine that must be addressed

Pain medications receive publicity and represent the most popular form of treatment for people experiencing neck pain. However, pain medications never get to the cause of the problem. Chiropractors look at the structure and mobility of the neck and its potential role in pain and other body function problems. Research shows that one of the best approaches to improving neck discomfort begins with an evaluation by a Doctor of Chiropractic in order to address the source of the pain. More and more people make their healthcare decisions based on the amount of evidence and research behind each intervention. Overwhelming evidence proves that Chiropractic achieves unique results unparalleled by other healthcare options. Research continues to validate the value and benefits of Chiropractic care for all ages.

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New research on opioid medication shows revolutionary evidence which supports the need for veterans to have greater access to Chiropractic.

Veterans make up one of the largest populations of people who seek relief from physical and emotional pain. The current care model prescribes powerful medications to the majority of veterans who seek care for their pain. When non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) fail to resolve the pain, doctors prescribe more addictive and potent drugs like opioids. A vast number of these veterans do not find relief from NSAIDs and begin consuming opioid medication. As a result, veterans exist as one of the most prevalent populations to be prescribed opioid medication at unprecedented levels.

Research published this year in the Journal of Pain Medicine provides promising evidence for veterans and their families.

The study showed that veterans who received Chiropractic care consumed less opioid medication than those who were not receiving chiropractic adjustments. Nearly one-third of veterans in the study who received Chiropractic services from the Veteran Affairs also received an opioid prescription. Yet the study revealed the frequency of opioid prescriptions became lower after the veterans began utilizing Chiropractic. Also, they are being prescribed opioids began to reduce their consumption after they began receiving Chiropractic care.

Chiropractic does not seek to treat ailments, pain, or conditions.

Chiropractors focus on restoring the relationship between the spine and the central nervous system. This is achieved by specifically assessing and gently adjusting areas of stress and dysfunction in the spine. Because of the intimate connection between the spine and the nervous system, pain and other conditions improve through better nervous system balance. Chiropractic care provides a unique advantage for veterans seeking help with pain, stress, and dysfunction. This study provides further evidence that veterans represent another group that deserves the benefits of Chiropractic. Long term health and healing do not involve a relationship with opioid medication and other pain relievers. Military personnel deserve the freedom to live an active life that is full of potential. That journey begins with Chiropractic.

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