Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month
September 2018 is designated as National Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month: an opportunity to raise public awareness about the dangers of prescription and over the counter (OTC) pain medications. It is also an opportunity to educate consumers about drug-free options, such as chiropractic care, to safely and effectively relieve chronic pain.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) documented over 42,000 individuals in the U.S. died from an opioid-related overdose, totaling more than 115 fatalities per day. Last year alone, the number of deaths associated with opiate painkillers increased by 27.7 percent.
Likewise, OTC pain relievers increase the risk of health complications when misused or taken in higher doses than what is recommended. Risks include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Nearly 200,000 Americans who misuse OTCs land in the hospital each year.
Did you know?
- Today 100 million people in the U.S. battle chronic pain and are searching for instant relief. They often turn to prescription pain medications for treatment of headaches, including migraines, low back pain and/or general aches and pains.
- As documented by the Gallup-Palmer Annual Report, 78 percent to f Americans prefer to try other ways to address their physical pain before they take pain medication.
- A recent study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concludes that for adults receiving treatment for low back pain, the likelihood of filling a prescription for an opioid was 55 percent lower for those receiving chiropractic care than for adults not receiving chiropractic care.
According to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care, results show that pain management services provided by doctors of chiropractic (DCs) may allow patients to use lower or less frequent doses of OTC medications and/or opioids, leading to lower costs and reduced risk of adverse effects. “Chiropractic care is proven to yield improved clinical outcomes, reduced costs and high levels of patient satisfaction,” said Dr. Matthew Hart DC. “Given the increased interest in providing Americans with drug-free pain management options, doctors of chiropractic are front-line providers for spinal health and well-being, specifically as it relates to the management of back, neck and headache pain.”
DCs receive a minimum of seven years of higher education and are specifically trained to diagnose, evaluate and provide drug-free care and rehabilitation to individuals suffering from pain in the neck and back.
About Hart Chiropractic
Hart Chiropractic is located in Geneva, IL and has been helping the Fox Valley area residents live pain-free naturally for 17 years. Dr. Matthew Hart DC is a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate with 3 massage therapists on staff. Visit www.hartchiropractic.com or call 630-262-1421.
About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) informs and educates the general public about the value of chiropractic care and its role in drug-free pain management. Visit www.f4cp.com or call 866-901-F4CP(3427).