Pain — we fear it and fight it, try to manage it or make peace with it. When it comes to back and joint pain, massage therapy and chiropractic can help. Often a much better alternative than medication, they're a non-addictive way to address what is causing the pain instead of merely masking it.
The problem of pain
What is pain? In a recent podcast, expert Rachel Zoffness explained that “pain is this very complex, subjective thing. But at the end of the day, your brain’s job is to save your life. And pain is the body’s danger detection system, your warning system”.
The latest research shows that pain exists at the complex intersection between your biology, your social circumstances, and your psychology.
Pain killers
Western medicine has focused on getting rid of pain as quickly and as conveniently as possible. Which kind of makes sense. But that approach has led us down a path away from holistic approaches and toward a reality where 16,000 of our neighbors overdose on prescription opioids every year.
Prescription pain relief improves the quality of life for many of us who live with acute or chronic pain. But these medications — and particularly opioids — have spawned a serious public health problem. Whenever possible, let’s try other approaches first.
How chiropractic can help
Chiropractic treatments correct misalignments between muscles and bones that cause pain. Chiropractors can not prescribe pain medication but do refer patients to other care providers when necessary. For many people, chiropractic and a thoughtful self-care routine are enough to treat their joint-related pain.
Check out our earlier article to learn how chiropractors do what they do, and how it helps resolve many people’s pain.
“Consumers also rated their satisfaction with practitioners, telling Consumer Reports they were more likely to be “highly satisfied” with the back pain treatment received from their chiropractors (59%) than from their primary-care physicians (34%). ”
Opioids and the brain
Pain medication can be a useful tool in the healing process. But it’s best used as a last resort. National Geographic shares what happens in the brain when we’re taking opioids.
Come visit us at Parkside
Come see our expert team at Parkside Clinic where we tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.