Opioids are in the news. The Colorado Springs opioid
epidemic is a great issue. Opioids are
prescribed for pain relief of all types of pain. Opioids for back
pain relief are common. But today, non-drug
alternatives are in demand. Non-drug alternative care like Colorado Springs
chiropractic care lessens the Colorado Springs back
pain these opioids have been prescribed for and often without bad side-effects.
DRUG USE BEFORE BACK SURGERY
Pharmacological treatment possibilities
– drugs – for reducing chronic low back pain are of much interest today. Researchers investigate
these and other alternatives as to what is best to
assist Colorado Springs back pain patients. The
effect of drugs like oxycodone (an opioid drug), clobazam and imipramine on
chronic low back pain are difficult to predict. One
article suggested that patients who are more sensitive to hot
and cold react better to imipramine. (1) Another described
that electroacupuncture proved to be more cost effective than NSAIDs
and suggested as an alternative for chronic low back pain treatment. (2) A third
explained that most drugs - paracetamol (acetaminophen),
NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, and other
(new) drugs - offered small to moderate and short lasting effects compared with
placebo. And there were side-effects. (3) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR cares for many Colorado Springs
back pain sufferers seeking pain relief without drugs. And the Colorado Springs
chiropractic care is helpful for most.
DRUG USE AFTER BACK SURGERY
Colorado Springs chronic low back pain leads
some sufferers to lumbar spine fusion surgery. Patients who go this route to
deal with their back pain often take
opioids prior to surgery hoping – even expecting – that they will not require
opioids after the surgery. Reality is different. 77.1% of pre-operative opioid
patients continued to use opioids long-term post-operatively: 13.8% of them used
opioids off and off; 9.1% discontinued using them or took them for a
short time after surgery. Of patients who hadn’t used
opioids before surgery, 34.4% used a lower dose after surgery, and 44.8% consumed
a higher long-term dose. 12.8% became long-term consumers of
opioids. The researchers concluded that lumbar spine
fusion seldom ended
the long-term opioid use and actually intensified the risk of taking
them long-term. (4) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR offers Colorado Springs chiropractic care
both pre-operatively and post-operatively to reduce Colorado Springs
back pain and for some prevent Colorado Springs back surgery.
ALTERNATIVES TO DRUGS FOR BACK PAIN
What are the options for Colorado Springs back pain
patients if opioids are to be avoided? Guidelines have been developed for opioid
alternatives. Cost, intervention availability, and patient preferences are
considered. One of the
first things to do is educate and reassure the patient that Colorado Springs back
pain relief is possible and to remain active. The Colorado Springs low
back pain sufferer can learn
more about self-care options. For acute
low back pain and neck pain patients who do not have
any concerning underlying issue, exercise, manual
therapy, heat and NSAIDs are suggested. For chronic low back
pain sufferers without serious underlying
issues, exercise, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback,
relaxation, massage, manual therapy, rehab, NSAIDS, acetaminophen and
antidepressants are recommended. Patients with radiculopathy (sciatic
leg pain) can use exercise, spinal manipulation, or NSAIDS. Benzodiazepines,
botulinum toxin injection, systemic corticosteroids, cervical collar,
electrical muscle stimulation, diathermy, TENS and traction are not recommended
because of research revealing uselessness.
(5) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR offers Colorado Springs chiropractic care including Cox
Technic flexion distraction decompression treatment that is research-documented
to be successful for Colorado Springs back pain relief.
CONTACT The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Roy Siegel on the Back Doctor’s Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
shares how Cox Technic reduces back pain for his performing arts
patients without drugs so they can keep performing!
Schedule your Colorado Springs chiropractic appointment
with The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR today. The opioid epidemic may be curbed for
Colorado Springs back pain sufferers who choose Colorado Springs
chiropractic care at The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR…and chiropractic may become the opioid-alternative news!