The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauds federal efforts to curb prescription drug abuse following the U.S. government’s announcement in this year that the problem has reached crisis level. As the ACA’s TN delegate and director of Cole Pain Therapy Group, Dr. Richard Cole encourages patients and healthcare providers to explore drug-free, conservative approaches to pain management as a first-line defense against painkiller abuse.
“The drug-free approach of chiropractic pain management is crucial in the midst of a opioid overuse crisis.”
The government’s report, “Epidemic: Responding to America’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis,” notes that while the use of some illegal drugs has diminished, the abuse of prescription medications has sharply increased. “This new report shows that while sometimes the use of these powerful drugs may be necessary, their overuse and abuse can lead to deadly consequences. The chiropractic profession offers non-drug interventions for pain relief,” said ACA President Dr. Rick McMichael. “We urge health care providers, whenever possible; to recommend drug-free conservative care interventions for their patients before prescribing medications that may be associated with harmful side effects. It’s critical that patients know their options.”
Chiropractic care is best known for its effectiveness in treating painful conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches-which are serious causes of disability in the United States. Chiropractic care may lessen or eliminate the need for medications in some cases and help patients avoid unnecessary surgery. Our chiropractic physicians treat the whole person, promote wellness, and strive to address the underlying cause of patients’ ailments, not simply cover the symptoms.