A New Prescription for Back Pain

If you’re one of the many Canadians who suffer from back pain, you know how it can impact your mood and your whole quality of life. Up to 85% of the working population experiences back pain at least once in their lives, so you’re definitely not alone.

For many people, prescription painkillers like opioids are the first line of defense against chronic pain. However, the risk of addiction may have you thinking twice about this option. Research has shown that the majority of those who become addicted to prescribed opioids don’t have a preexisting substance abuse issue, but rather are seeking treatment for their pain.

There are alternate ways to manage your back pain that don’t involve opioid prescriptions which can often carry a high risk of addiction and harmful side effects.

For example, chiropractic care has been proven to be a safe and drug-free treatment option to help combat your pain. Recent clinical guidelines like the 2017 Canadian Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain and the American College of Physicians Guideline on Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain recommend trying various treatments or therapies that can be offered by chiropractors like spinal manipulation, exercise, and other non-drug therapies to manage pain.

Ontario chiropractors are muscular, skeletal and nervous system experts with the knowledge and clinical competencies to diagnose the root cause of back pain and to deliver care for a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Here are some of the treatment options a chiropractor may provide:

•    Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractors can deliver adjustments to the vertebrae of the spine to improve movement and function.

•    Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy techniques can be used to help restore optimal functioning to the muscles, ligaments and tendons. They can also help break down scar tissue and adhesions in and around the joints and associated soft tissues.

•    Multidisciplinary Rehab

There may be multiple layers to pain and evidence shows that multidisciplinary care can help address the different pieces.  Chiropractors can work together with other health care providers to address the physical, psychological, social or occupational factors contributing to your pain.

•    Exercise

Exercise may be the best medicine, and your chiropractor can prescribe a plan that can help to reduce pain and improve function. They will start you off slow and once your initial back pain subsides, a fitness plan may help to prevent future aches and pains.

•    Acupuncture

Your chiropractor may also be able to offer acupuncture – a treatment where fine needles are inserted into targeted areas to address pain and function.

With the range of options available, your local chiropractor will work you with you to develop a plan so that you are in charge of your own journey to help reduce pain in a safe, sustainable way.