Opioids are in the news. The Richmond opioid
epidemic is a big concern. Opioids are
prescribed for pain relief of all sorts of pain. Opioids for back
pain relief are a common prescription. But today, non-drug
alternatives are in demand. Non-drug alternative care like Richmond
chiropractic care eases the Richmond back
pain these opioids have been prescribed for and often minus
the bad side-effects.
DRUG USE BEFORE BACK SURGERY
Pharmacological treatment possibilities
– drugs – for easing chronic low back pain are the focus of
much attention today. Researchers investigate
these and other options as to what works best to
benefit Richmond back pain patients. The
effect of drugs like oxycodone (an opioid drug), clobazam and imipramine on
chronic low back pain are hard to predict. One
article proposed that patients who are more sensitive to hot
and cold respond 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
wrote 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) Johnson Chiropractic cares for many Richmond
back pain sufferers seeking pain relief without drugs. And the Richmond
chiropractic care is helpful for most.
DRUG USE AFTER BACK SURGERY
Richmond chronic low back pain leads
some sufferers to lumbar spine fusion surgery. Patients who choose this option to get relief of 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 used them for a
short time after surgery. Of patients who had not took
opioids before surgery, 34.4% used a lower dose after surgery, and 44.8% took
a higher long-term dose. 12.8% became long-term consumers of
opioids. The researchers decided that lumbar spine
fusion infrequently ended
the long-term opioid use and actually increased the risk of using
them long-term. (4) Johnson Chiropractic offers Richmond chiropractic care
both pre-operatively and post-operatively to manage Richmond
back pain and for some prevent Richmond back surgery.
ALTERNATIVES TO DRUGS FOR BACK PAIN
What are the options for Richmond 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 Richmond back
pain relief is possible and to remain active. The Richmond 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 serious 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 suggested
because of research revealing uselessness.
(5) Johnson Chiropractic offers Richmond chiropractic care including Cox
Technic flexion distraction decompression treatment that is research-documented
to be effective for Richmond back pain relief.
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Roy Siegel on the Back Doctor’s Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he
shares how Cox Technic relieves back pain for his performing arts
patients without drugs so they can continue performing!
Schedule your Richmond chiropractic appointment
with Johnson Chiropractic today. The opioid epidemic may be limited for
Richmond back pain sufferers who come for Richmond
chiropractic care at Johnson Chiropractic…and chiropractic may turn out to
be the opioid-alternative news!