Why overdoses are up and proven ways to fight pain
It may be the year of coronavirus, but September is Pain Awareness Month. I’d like to ask you to take a moment with me to learn how the pandemic is affecting another epidemic, and how we can fight it if we think about pain relief a little differently.
In a world with COVID-19, our way of life has changed and there are many negative ripple effects from the pandemic, like increased opioid overdoses.
The Georgia Department of Health recently released a report indicating an increase in drug overdose emergency department (ED) visits overlapping with the emergence of COVID-19. Most notably, over an 11-week period beginning in March, these visits increased 5.9%. There are theories that it may have to do with easier access to opioid prescriptions due to telehealth visits, combined with increased mental health challenges and drug use due to social distancing.
Are there alternatives to opioids for pain relief?
YES. This is where we need to think differently as a society.
Agencies including the CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services recommend non-pharmacological care – including chiropractic care – for patients with non-cancer pain.
Chiropractic care is a natural first line of defense for pain relief. Most chiropractic office schedules allow patients with urgent back and neck pain to be seen quickly and treated at an affordable cost. Like medical doctors, chiropractors are licensed, regulated, trained and specialized. And, chiropractic care is scientifically proven. A recent medical study published in JAMA1 found active-duty U.S. military service members had effective relief from chiropractic care after just six weeks.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that information can be powerful. Let’s extend the conversation to natural pain relief and safer alternatives to opioids. The pandemic may have a lot of unknowns.
We already have a solution for pain that can help fight the opioid epidemic. Let’s think differently. Let’s choose chiropractic for pain treatment FIRST.
Author: Leana Kart, D.C.,
Spokesperson, Painful Condition? Get Relief. Without Addiction. Campaign | Past president, Georgia Chiropractic Association | Trustee, Life University
