What Does a Back Pain Chiropractor Do?

Conversely, the doctors at Better Health often work with other specialists when necessary for the optimal health of the patients. Honest recommendations are one of the most important factors of proper medical care in any field.

Medication vs. Chiropractic Care

Considering the opioid epidemic, it’s no wonder patients are hesitant to take medication for their back pain. Avoiding addiction is an excellent reason for not taking medication — especially when there is another way. 

In fact, there are several studies supporting the use of chiropractic care for pain management and reduction instead of opioid use. One such study found that those with spinal pain who saw a chiropractor were 50% less likely to fill an opioid prescription. The number was even higher among those who saw a chiropractor within 30 days of their acute pain starting. 

But opioid painkillers aren’t the only medications that are prescribed for back pain. A randomized clinical trial compared chiropractic adjustment and muscle relaxants for subacute low back pain. The findings were very interesting, stating that the chiropractic group fared better than both the placebo group and the muscle relaxant group. 

Beware: the Drawbacks of Surgery and Medication

For most people, the risk of surgery becomes apparent when discussing it with their doctor. Back surgery can take a long time to heal, and the risk of a failed surgery has not declined in recent years, despite advances in medical technology. 

The issue is that many patients simply don’t realize that they should exhaust all options before considering surgery. The recovery time for any type of back surgery is prohibitively long and the risks involved — especially when compared to chiropractic care — are significant. 

One study stated that there are between 25,000 and 50,000 failed back surgeries every year in the United States.

Of course, there are certain instances where surgery is the best option and needs to be done quickly. But for most people with back pain, surgery should be the very last resort. 

The use of medication poses similar problems for patients. Especially pain medication. In fact, the more we learn about opioid pain medication, the clearer things become. One study stated that: 

“Opioids do not seem to expedite return to work in injured workers or improve functional outcomes of acute back pain in primary care.” 

Essentially, they are a way to mask the pain and they do little to eliminate it. The instances of addiction are high among chronic pain sufferers who take opioids regularly for pain management. 

These drawbacks are another reason why many people are seeking chiropractic care. It’s a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free option for the treatment of back pain. One thing it is not is a way to mask the pain. Chiropractors work to get to the root of the pain and correct the underlying problem or problems using natural remedies for back pain.