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.

The post Veterans Need Chiropractic – A Safe and Sane Solution to the Opioid Epidemic in the Military first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

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.

The post Research Determines Chiropractic Care Provides Military Personnel Relief from Both Pain and Opioid Consumption first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.