Chiropractic: The Natural Approach to Back Pain

Chiropractic is based on the approach of allowing your body to heal naturally through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that encourage wellness. For Dr. Messerschmidt, this means working hard to reestablish your body's normal functioning to prevent the need for drugs or surgical treatments. We notice that many of our Juneau, AK patients are relieved to find a natural answer for their health conditions.

One benefit of chiropractic is that it helps people decrease or even eliminate the use of narcotics. Medications are frequently supplied to individuals who have back problems. This is such a serious crisis that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a news release stating that opioid (painkiller) risks outweigh the advantages when administered for back pain.

Some of the most popular opiates, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, include hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet), morphine, and codeine. Data presented by the AAN mention the fact that roughly 50% of the people taking these types of substances for a period of three months are still on them five years later. This can further complicate the difficulty of back pain and recovery, especially if an opiate addiction occurs.

Compare that to chiropractic which involves natural healing and the benefits are clear. While a drug might be helpful at temporarily relieving the discomfort of a health problem, it's not a solution to the problem. Drugs don't mend your damaged spine; it will only cover up the pain.

Dr. Messerschmidt will first examine you to get to the origin of your back pain and then work with you to solve the spinal interference -- without the need for risky drugs.

If you're ready for relief of your pain, naturally, give our Juneau, AK office a call at (907) 789-1344 to make an appointment with Dr. Messerschmidt.

References

• Risk of opioids outweigh benefits for headache, low back pain, other conditions. American Academy of Neurology;September 29, 2014.
• What are opioids? National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/prescription-drugs/opioids/what-are-opioids