Why You Should Avoid Drugs for Back Pain

Chiropractic is centered on the approach of helping your body to naturally heal through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that stimulate wellness. For Dr. Valente, this involves working to reestablish your body's natural functioning to prevent the need for medications or surgery. We notice that most of our New York patients are pleased to find a natural answer for their health problems.

One advantage of chiropractic is that it helps people reduce or eliminate the use of drugs. Prescriptions are frequently supplied to patients who have back problems. This is such a serious problem that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a press release stating that opioid (painkiller) dangers outweigh the advantages when administered for back pain.

Some of the most popular narcotics, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Numbers presented by the AAN mention the fact that approximately 50% 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 recovery, particularly if an narcotic addiction arises.

Contrast that to chiropractic which engages natural healing and the advantages are evident. While a drug might be helpful at briefly suppressing the discomfort of a health problem, it's not a real solution to the problem. Drugs can't mend your injured back; it will only mask the pain.

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

If you're ready for relief, naturally, give our New York office a call at (917) 338-7917 to make an appointment with Dr. Valente.

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