How to Manage Chronic Pain Without Opioids

Have you or someone you know been effected by the use of Opioids? If so, have a read and perhaps Chiropractic Care is an option for you!

We have all been in a situation where we have experienced some kind of pain. Whether it be from a headache, a sports injury, or a fall, what was the first thing you were instructed to take? More often than not the answer would be an over the counter drug such as Tylenol or any other generic pain killer brand. Though these over the counter drugs are okay to be used in moderation, there is an ongoing crisis when it comes to prescription pain killers that are given to people to treat chronic pain. These prescription pain killers are known as Opioids.

Opioids are often used on patients with chronic headaches, backaches or patients who have severe pain due to cancer. Opioids are very effective for relieving chronic pain; however, their side effects can be detrimental. These drugs can be highly addictive when used over a short or long period of time and can also cause an increase in sleepiness, nausea, and constipation. If a person becomes addicted to Opioids and are suddenly taken off of them, they can experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, insomnia, and cold body temperatures (flu like symptoms) and turn to street drugs.

Here are some stats to give you an idea of how severe the Opioid crisis is:

• Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
• Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
• An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.

So, you might be wondering what can we do to stop this crisis? Is there something other than Opioids that can be recommended to someone in chronic pain? This is where Chiropractic Care can be very beneficial and also be a key player in helping to stop this crisis.

If you are looking for a safe and effective way to manage chronic pain, Chiropractic care is a great option. At the Oakville Chiropractic Centre, we use precise adjustments to the vertebrae of the spine to help you get moving smoothly and feel less tension. Some things to keep in mind:

• If you are suffering from chronic pain, don’t expect for that pain to be completely gone within the first visit.
• Chiropractic Care is all about consistency and a willingness to stick with the treatment plan the doctor has prescribed to you.
• It is not an immediate fix like Opioids, but it also does not come with any of the harmful side effects of Opioids.

Some other helpful tips that go along great with Chiropractic care would be exercising. Keeping your body moving once you start to feel less pain is key as it helps to avoid future flare ups. Another helpful suggestion would be reducing the stress in your life by trying out some yoga or meditation classes. Another great therapy that pairs very well with chronic pain and chiropractic would be acupuncture.

The next time you or a loved one is in chronic pain, try explaining to them some alternate forms of pain management that are completely safe and effective without the harsh side effects of a prescription drug use such as Opioids.