A Drug-Free Approach to Back Pain Recovery

Chiropractic is centered on the concept of aiding your body to heal naturally through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that stimulate overall health. For Dr. Messerschmidt, this means working hard to restore your body's natural performance to prevent the need for medications or surgery. We notice that most of our Juneau patients are relieved to find a natural answer for their health issues.

One benefit of chiropractic therapy is that it helps people reduce or eliminate the use of drugs. Medications are oftentimes supplied to people who have back pain. This is such a serious crisis that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a report stating that opioid (painkiller) risks overshadow the advantages when administered for back pain.

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

Compare that to chiropractic which features natural healing and the benefits are clear. While a drug might be helpful at briefly reducing the discomfort of a health condition, it's not a solution to the problem. A drug won't mend your damaged back; it will only cover up the pain.

How Can Chiropractic Therapy Help You?

Dr. Messerschmidt will first examine you to get to the origin of your back problems and then work with you to eliminate the problem -- without the need for risky drugs.

If you're ready for relief, naturally, give our Juneau 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