A recent study determined that chiropractic has been proven superior in helping patients overcome back pain when compared to Tylenol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), and opioid drugs. The research spotlights the complexity of back pain and the vast number of affected people. Over 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their life, with hundreds of millions suffering daily. Most back-pain sufferers receive a recommendation to ingest over-the-counter or prescription pills to relieve the pain.

Long thought to be safe and the most widely used non-opioid pain killer in the world, acetaminophen (Tylenol) was reported in another study to be associated with significant toxic effects including hepatic and renal disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, and an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and high blood pressure (particularly at higher doses).

Doctors most commonly prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Celebrex, Aleve, etc.) for older adults with chronic non-cancer pain. NSAID drugs carry an increased risk of gastrointestinal reactions and a one hundred percent increased risk of heart failure. Patients using NSAIDs endure an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Adverse effects of opioid therapy include depression, sexual dysfunction, myocardial infarction, addiction, and increased risk of death due to overdose. The alarmingly high risk of adverse drug effects due to opioids continues to rapidly escalate. Opioid use and abuse created a worldwide epidemic due to the destruction and devastation inflicted on users and their families.

Chiropractic continues to play an increased and important role in healthcare. Availability and increased utilization of chiropractic promotes a reduction in both drug prescriptions and the risk of adverse drug reactions.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com