Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Chiropractic is based on the philosophy of enabling your body to naturally heal through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that stimulate overall health. For Dr. Harrison, this involves working to reestablish your body's healthy functioning to avoid the need for drugs or surgical treatments. We find that most of our Decatur patients are relieved to find a natural answer for their health problems.

One benefit of chiropractic treatment is that it helps people reduce or even eliminate the use of drugs. Medications are commonly supplied to people who have back soreness. This is such a serious crisis that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a report stating that opioid (painkiller) risks outweigh the advantages when prescribed for back pain.

Some of the most common narcotics, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Data supplied by the AAN mention the fact that approximately half of the people taking these drugs for a period of three months are still on them five years down the road. This can further complicate the issue of back pain and recovery, especially if an narcotic addiction occurs.

Contrast that to chiropractic which involves natural healing and the advantages are obvious. While a pill might be useful at briefly suppressing the discomfort of a health condition, it's not a real solution to the problem. Drugs don't mend your damaged back; it will only cover up the pain.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help You?

Dr. Harrison will first examine you to get to the origin of your back problems and then work with you to solve the problem -- without the need for risky medications.

If you're ready for pain relief, naturally, give our Decatur office a call at (404) 325-2856 to make an appointment with Dr. Harrison.

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