By Ken Freedman, DC
On March 22, the most watched morning show for most of 2017, Good Morning America, aired a segment about low back pain the day after new research was published in the highly respected medical journal, The Lancet. According to The Lancet, “Almost everyone will have low back pain at some point in their lives. It can affect anyone at any age, and it is increasing—disability due to back pain has risen by more than 50% since 1990.
Treatment varies widely around the world, from bed rest to surgery, and the use of dangerous drugs such as opioids, usually in high-income countries.” The problem is that there are big risks with drug therapy. Drug therapy doesn’t cure you – it numbs you. By masking pain, drug therapy disables the body’s natural protective mechanisms and is likely to worsen the condition. Furthermore, drug therapy can be highly addictive and can cause damage to other vital organs, such as the stomach, liver and kidneys.
Encouraging non-pharmacological pain management options prior to the utilization of prescription opioids, Good Morning America encouraged its viewers to stay active, apply heat and receive spinal manipulation – which we know 94 percent of which are performed by doctors of chiropractic in the U.S. – to alleviate lower back pain. We are now beginning to see more progressive physicians and lawmakers suggesting chiropractic care instead of opioids as a non-drug, safe, effective, and first-line approach to manage pain.
Why is chiropractic care being recommended so widely now?
Multiple research studies and patient satisfaction surveys conclusively prove that chiropractic care is among the most effective, least expensive, safest methods to treat lower back pain. In addition, lower back pain patients have the highest satisfaction rates when receiving care from a chiropractor, compared to medical disciplines.
Chiropractic care supports the body’s capacity to self-heal, resist injury and function better. It works by detecting, locating and correcting spinal subluxations.
Subluxations cause interference in the transmission of energy between the brain and body when the spinal bones misalign and irritate the nerves. Subluxations are similar to a dental condition. It begins with no pain and few symptoms. Without a periodic checkup to identify and correct a small problem, it can progress to the point where symptoms, ill health, and higher treatment costs result.
If you have back pain, do what Good Morning America, caring physicians and proactive legislators recommend – have a chiropractic checkup. It’s relatively inexpensive, offers a clinical perspective that is not found in traditional medicine, and is the first step in your journey toward better healing and a healthier life.
In 2017, Freedman Chiropractic Center, LLC was recognized as Best Chiropractic Office in The Home News Tribune’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Since 1979, Dr. Ken Freedman has helped adults and children with painful conditions. He is the Chairman of the Middlesex County Health & Wellness Council and the President of the East Brunswick Advisory Health Council.
Freedman Chiropractic Center, LLC, Brier Hill Court D-6, East Brunswick. Day, evening and weekend hours are available, by appointment. 732-254-6011