Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Chiropractic is based on the concept of allowing your body to heal naturally through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that encourage overall health. For Dr. Lipsitz, this involves working to restore your body's healthy performance to prevent the need for drugs or surgical treatments. We see that most of our Waldorf, MD patients are relieved to find a natural approach for their health conditions.

One benefit of chiropractic care is that it helps people decrease or eliminate the use of drugs. Prescription medications are oftentimes issued to patients who have back pain. This is such a serious crisis that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a report stating that opioid (painkiller) dangers overshadow the benefits when administered for back pain.

Some of the most well-known narcotics, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Figures provided by the AAN mention the fact that roughly half of the patients taking these drugs for a period of three months are still taking them five years down the road. This can further complicate the problem of back pain and healing, particularly if an narcotic addiction arises.

Contrast that to chiropractic care which incorporates natural healing and the advantages are crystal clear. While a pill might be helpful at temporarily relieving the symptoms of a health issue, it's not a solution to the problem. Drugs don't mend your injured spine; it will only cover up the pain.

Dr. Lipsitz will first examine you to get to the root of your back pain and then work with you to address the problem -- without risky drugs.

If you're ready to get out of pain, naturally, give our Waldorf, MD office a call at (301) 645-8898 to make an appointment with Dr. Lipsitz.

References

• Risk of opioids outweigh benefits for headache, low back pain, other conditions. American Academy of Neurology;September 29, 2014.
• What are opioids? National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids