A Natural Approach to Back Pain

Chiropractic is centered on the approach of enabling your body to naturally heal through spinal adjustments and lifestyle changes that stimulate wellness. For Dr. Ernst, this means working to reestablish your body's normal performance to avoid the need for drugs or surgery. We find that many of our Arlington patients are pleased to find a natural approach for their health conditions.

One benefit of chiropractic care is that it helps people reduce or eliminate the use of drug treatments. Prescriptions are commonly issued to individuals who have back pain. This is such a significant problem that the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) issued a press release stating that opioid (painkiller) dangers outweigh the advantages when prescribed 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. Numbers supplied by the AAN cite the fact that about 50% of the patients taking these types of substances for a period of three months are still dependent on them five years down the road. This can further complicate the issue of back pain and healing, particularly if an narcotic addiction occurs.

Compare that to chiropractic which features natural healing and the advantages are evident. While a pill might be useful at temporarily reducing the symptoms of a health issue, it's not a real solution to the problem. Drugs can't fix your injured spine; it will only conceal the pain.

Dr. Ernst will first examine you to get to the origin of your back problems and then work with you to eliminate the problem -- without risky medications.

If you're ready for pain relief, naturally, give our Arlington office a call at (360) 659-8464 to make an appointment with Dr. Ernst.

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