Chronic back or musculoskeletal pain affects millions of Americans. The most common treatment for it, whether it’s after a surgical procedure or chronic, is prescription painkillers. If you don’t feel comfortable taking this medication frequently, consider chiropractic care as an alternative for pain relief.

How Chiropractic Care Is an Alternative to Opioids

Treatment of the Cause

Opioids are often prescribed to patients for chronic pain relief. While it is laudable that doctors want to help their patients reduce pain, the medication only treats the symptoms. The true cause of chronic pain often goes undiagnosed and the patient becomes dependent on their medication. Chiropractic care is predicated on the belief that the body can heal itself. Spinal adjustments ease symptoms, and the holistic approach is aimed at treating the originating cause of pain.

Natural Pain Relief

When the spine is out of alignment, nerves can become compressed, and direct, efficient communication between the nervous system and the body is disrupted. Spinal adjustments ease the pressure on nerves as the vertebrae are brought back into alignment. This allows the free flow of signals between the brain and body, and the body’s natural healing can begin. Spinal adjustments may also release natural pain relief and stress management hormones. MRI imaging has shown the effect on the brain after adjustments—activity is similar to the effect of SSRI or anti-depressant medications. 

Non-Invasive Treatment

Chiropractic care works with pain relief in a non-invasive way. Beyond issues with the back and neck, chiropractors treat pain related to past surgeries, arthritis, and injuries. Regular appointments can improve many conditions, letting you avoid surgery or more invasive procedures that may necessitate the use of opioids. 

Whole Body Wellness

Chiropractors are trained to treat the entire body. The proper alignment of the spine lets the nervous system—which affects every cell and system in the body—function optimally. Chiropractic care includes guidance on nutrition, posture, biomechanics, exercise, stretching, and ergonomic training for the workplace. Treating the entire body helps mitigate chronic pain, prevent injury, and reduce the need for medication. 

If you’re interested in using chiropractic care as an alternative to opioid use to engage the body’s healing and pain management abilities, contact Bigbie Chiropractic, in Lexington, SC. They offer natural pain relief for the back and neck, sciatica, and headaches, and treatment for spinal stenosis and neuropathy. Call (803) 356-9315 to make an appointment or visit their website for more information about their services.