The Growing Opioid Crisis
The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant public health challenges of our time, affecting millions of people worldwide. In the United States alone, more than 130 people die every day from opioid overdoses, and many of these deaths are tied to prescription medications meant to treat chronic pain. What started as a well-intentioned effort to manage severe pain has turned into a full-blown crisis. The overprescription of opioids in the 1990s, often based on misleading claims that these drugs were less addictive than their predecessors, laid the groundwork for widespread addiction and abuse.
As chronic pain cases increased, so did opioid prescriptions, creating a cycle where individuals with long-term pain conditions—such as back or neck pain—became dependent on medication that not only masked their symptoms but also had severe side effects, including the risk of addiction. The use of opioids, initially intended for post-surgical pain or advanced cancer treatment, was expanded to include more routine chronic pain issues, fueling a public health disaster.
The Connection Between Opioids and Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a complex condition that affects nearly 50 million Americans each year. Many patients, in search of relief, were prescribed opioids to help manage their symptoms. However, these medications only provided temporary pain relief, often leading to a need for increased dosages over time. As a result, many individuals found themselves trapped in a cycle of addiction without a solution to their underlying pain. What’s worse, opioids tend to lose effectiveness over time, meaning that for many, the longer they used the drugs, the less benefit they received—while simultaneously increasing the risk of addiction.
Now, years later, both patients and healthcare providers are searching for safer, more sustainable alternatives to managing chronic pain, ones that do not carry the same risks of addiction and overdose.
The Chiropractic Solution: A Natural, Non-Invasive Alternative
As the medical community shifts toward non-pharmacological approaches to pain management, chiropractic care has emerged as one of the leading alternatives to opioids. Chiropractic treatment focuses on addressing the root causes of pain, particularly spinal misalignments and musculoskeletal issues, rather than merely masking the symptoms with medication. Through spinal adjustments, rehabilitation exercises, and holistic care plans, chiropractic treatment helps patients find long-term relief from chronic pain without the use of drugs.
This natural, non-invasive approach is particularly valuable in today’s healthcare landscape, where many patients are seeking ways to manage pain without the dangerous side effects and risks associated with opioids. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free solution that promotes healing from within, helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and avoid the risks of addiction.
Historical Context: The Shift in Medical Practice Around Pain Treatment Starting in the 1990s
The opioid crisis can be traced back to a fundamental shift in how chronic pain was understood and treated, starting in the early 1990s. Up until that point, opioids were generally reserved for managing acute pain after surgery or in cases of advanced cancer. Chronic pain sufferers were typically offered other treatments or non-opioid medications. However, as more attention was given to pain management, pharmaceutical companies began promoting opioids as a solution not only for short-term acute pain but also for chronic conditions like back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
What made this shift particularly dangerous were the initial claims made by pharmaceutical companies that these newer opioid formulas, such as oxycodone, were less addictive than previous iterations. Physicians were reassured that prescribing these drugs more liberally posed little risk of addiction, which led to an unprecedented rise in opioid prescriptions. Chronic pain patients, desperate for relief, were placed on these medications for extended periods, even though opioids are primarily designed for short-term use.
Overprescription of Opioids for Chronic Conditions
This overprescription created a perfect storm. For many patients, opioids seemed to offer immediate relief from their pain. However, they quickly discovered that their bodies adapted to the drugs, and they needed larger doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. Over time, the effectiveness of opioids diminished, but the dependency had already taken root. Patients often found themselves trapped in a vicious cycle: increasing doses to manage their pain while simultaneously experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms when they tried to cut back.
This medical misjudgment quickly spiraled into a nationwide crisis. The euphoric effects of opioids made them highly addictive, even for people who started with legitimate prescriptions. As doses increased, so did the risk of addiction, overdose, and death.
Starting in the 1990s: Doctors Were Encouraged to Prescribe Opioids for Chronic Pain
Doctors, many of whom were misinformed or under pressure to find quick solutions for chronic pain patients, began prescribing opioids at a much higher rate. Pain was increasingly regarded as the “fifth vital sign,” and healthcare providers were encouraged to treat pain aggressively. This push toward pain management with pharmaceuticals came with little education on the risks of long-term opioid use, especially for conditions like chronic back pain.
59% of Opioid Users Report Having Experienced Back Pain
One of the most striking aspects of the opioid epidemic is its connection to chronic back pain. A staggering 59% of opioid users report having experienced back pain at some point. This is significant because back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention, and it’s also one of the most frequent conditions for which opioids are prescribed. Unfortunately, instead of finding lasting relief, many of these patients were caught in the downward spiral of opioid dependency.
In the U.S. Alone, We Average Over 130 Deaths Per Day Due to Opioids
The consequences of the opioid crisis have been nothing short of devastating. Every day, over 130 people in the United States die from opioid-related overdoses. This grim statistic includes not only those who have abused the drugs recreationally but also countless individuals who began their journey into addiction with a legitimate prescription for chronic pain. What started as an effort to alleviate pain has turned into a nationwide public health disaster, with millions affected and entire communities grappling with the fallout.
Connection Between Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction
The opioid crisis didn’t develop overnight—it was a direct result of the growing chronic pain epidemic. Chronic pain, particularly conditions like lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis, affects millions of people worldwide. As more patients sought treatment for long-lasting discomfort in the 1990s, physicians increasingly turned to opioid medications as a quick fix. Unfortunately, this “solution” soon became a significant problem. The widespread prescribing of opioids for chronic conditions, rather than acute or terminal illnesses, fueled the rise of opioid dependence, addiction, and ultimately, overdose deaths.
Chronic pain is notoriously difficult to treat because it is often resistant to conventional therapies. Patients who struggle with persistent pain often face reduced quality of life, limited mobility, and even mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety. For years, opioids were viewed as a miracle solution, offering immediate pain relief. However, the quick fix came with steep costs. Opioids do not address the underlying causes of pain; instead, they mask symptoms temporarily, requiring higher and higher doses over time to maintain the same effect. This led to dependency, and for many, addiction. The chronic pain epidemic thus evolved into the opioid crisis we face today.
The Shift to Non-Pharmacological Solutions for Chronic Pain Management
As the dangers of opioid addiction became apparent, major healthcare organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), began advocating for non-pharmacological approaches to chronic pain management. These approaches include chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral therapy, among others. Non-drug treatments aim to address the root causes of pain, rather than merely masking symptoms, offering patients long-term relief without the risks associated with opioids.
Chronic Low Back Pain Affects Up to 20% of People Over 18 Years Old
One of the most common causes of chronic pain—and consequently opioid use—is low back pain. According to research, up to 20% of people over the age of 18 will experience chronic low back pain at some point in their lives. Chronic low back pain is especially troubling because it tends to be long-lasting and difficult to treat, leading many to seek relief through opioid prescriptions. Unfortunately, this type of pain is also one of the primary drivers of opioid dependency, as patients often find themselves in a cycle of increasing doses without meaningful long-term improvement.
Cooperation Between Your Medical Doctor and Chiropractor Can Help Provide the Best Results
To combat both chronic pain and the opioid crisis, an integrative approach to care is increasingly being recommended. Cooperation between medical doctors and chiropractors can provide patients with comprehensive pain management solutions that focus on both immediate relief and long-term healing. By working together, chiropractors can address structural and biomechanical issues through adjustments and therapy, while medical doctors manage other aspects of care, such as diagnosing underlying conditions and providing complementary treatments. This collaborative care model allows for a more holistic and effective approach to chronic pain, reducing the need for opioid prescriptions.
Chiropractic Care Has Been Shown to Provide Better Outcomes Than Pain Clinics
Chiropractic care is not only a drug-free alternative to opioids, but it has also been shown to provide better outcomes for chronic pain than many traditional pain clinics. Research indicates that patients receiving chiropractic care for conditions like low back pain report greater pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life compared to those treated in conventional pain clinics, where the focus is often on medications and injections. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment and function to the spine and joints, addressing the root causes of pain rather than simply covering them up with medication. This makes chiropractic care a powerful tool in both preventing opioid addiction and improving the lives of those struggling with chronic pain.
Understanding Opiates vs. Opioids
In discussions about pain management and addiction, the terms "opiates" and "opioids" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Opiates are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant. Examples include morphine and codeine, which have been used for centuries to alleviate pain. Opiates come directly from plant alkaloids, making them naturally occurring substances. They were traditionally prescribed for short-term pain relief following surgery or severe trauma and were not typically intended for long-term use due to their addictive nature.
Opioids, on the other hand, are synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs created in laboratories to mimic the effects of opiates. Examples include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. While they function similarly to opiates by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals, opioids are often far more potent. Opioids are designed to produce the same euphoric effects as opiates, but because they are manufactured, their strength and addictive potential can vary widely. Fentanyl, for instance, is a synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine, making it extremely dangerous.
Both opiates and opioids are highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to dependence, addiction, and overdose. People who use these drugs for extended periods can build up a tolerance, requiring increasingly higher doses to achieve the same pain relief. This, combined with their euphoric effects, makes them particularly prone to abuse. Understanding the difference between opiates and opioids is essential for recognizing the risks associated with these powerful drugs and finding safer alternatives for pain management, like chiropractic care.
Opioids Can Have a Negative Impact on Your Emotions, Breathing, Digestion, and Movement
The dangers of long-term opioid use extend far beyond the risk of addiction. Opioids significantly affect various physiological processes. Emotionally, opioid users may experience mood swings, depression, or heightened anxiety due to the drug’s influence on brain chemistry. Breathing can also become dangerously suppressed. This is especially concerning because respiratory depression, where breathing slows or stops altogether, is one of the leading causes of opioid-related deaths.
Additionally, opioids negatively impact the digestive system, causing issues like severe constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Chronic users often experience what's known as opioid-induced bowel dysfunction, making long-term use uncomfortable and unhealthy. Finally, opioid use can impair movement, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This makes everyday tasks, such as driving or operating machinery, extremely hazardous. Fentanyl, a Pain-Relieving Opioid, Is 100 Times More Potent Than Morphine Of all the opioids, fentanyl is perhaps the most notorious for its potency and risk of overdose. Developed as a prescription painkiller for severe cases, such as post-surgery recovery or cancer pain, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. Even the smallest miscalculation in dosage can result in a fatal overdose, as the drug rapidly suppresses the respiratory system. Unfortunately, fentanyl has also found its way into the illicit drug market, often mixed with other substances like heroin or cocaine, further increasing its risk to users. Because of its potency, fentanyl has been a major driver of overdose deaths in the opioid epidemic, with many individuals unaware they are consuming the drug.
Opioids Are Highly Addictive and Not Meant for Chronic Pain
While opioids are effective for short-term pain relief in acute situations like surgery or traumatic injuries, their long-term use for conditions like chronic back pain is discouraged. Current medical guidelines, including those from the CDC and FDA, warn against prescribing opioids for chronic spinal pain because of their addictive nature and diminishing effectiveness over time. The longer opioids are used, the less effective they become at managing pain, leading to higher doses and greater risks of dependency and addiction.
For patients with chronic pain, non-pharmacological treatments, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, and exercise, are recommended as the first line of defense. These approaches address the underlying causes of pain without the dangerous side effects or risk of addiction associated with opioids. In fact, research shows that chiropractic care can provide long-term relief for chronic pain patients, significantly reducing the need for opioid prescriptions and offering a safer, drug-free alternative.
Chiropractic Care as an Alternative
As the opioid crisis continues to claim lives, the need for effective, non-opioid treatments for chronic pain has never been greater. One such alternative is chiropractic care, a natural, drug-free approach that focuses on addressing the root causes of pain, particularly in the spine and musculoskeletal system. Unlike opioids, which mask pain without addressing its source, chiropractic care seeks to correct misalignments in the spine (known as vertebral subluxations) and restore proper function to the nervous system. This not only alleviates pain but also promotes the body’s ability to heal itself.
Chiropractic care has proven especially effective in treating chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. By using spinal adjustments and other manual therapies, chiropractors help improve the body's natural movement patterns, reduce inflammation, and alleviate nerve pressure. This can result in significant, long-term pain relief without the risks associated with opioid medications, such as addiction, dependency, and dangerous side effects. Chiropractic care also takes a holistic view of the body, integrating lifestyle changes, exercise, and nutrition to support overall health and well-being.
The Long-Term Approach
One of the main limitations of opioid medications is that they only mask pain symptoms without addressing the underlying causes. Over time, this can lead to a dangerous cycle of increasing dosages, tolerance, and dependency. In contrast, chiropractic care takes a long-term approach by focusing on the root causes of pain. Misalignments in the spine, tight muscles, poor posture, and lifestyle factors can all contribute to chronic pain, and chiropractic treatments aim to correct these issues at their source.
Rather than offering a temporary fix, chiropractic care is designed to provide sustained relief. With regular adjustments, patients often experience not only reduced pain but also improved mobility, posture, and overall physical function. This helps prevent the recurrence of pain and allows patients to engage more fully in their daily lives. Chiropractic care also supports a broader approach to health, emphasizing the importance of exercise, nutrition, and stress management in maintaining a pain-free lifestyle.
Whole-Body Movement with Daily Exercise
One of the most important components of non-opioid pain management is movement. For chronic pain sufferers, it may seem counterintuitive, but regular exercise plays a crucial role in reducing pain and improving overall function. Daily movement helps increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and strengthen muscles that support the spine and joints. This can lead to significant improvements in pain levels and prevent further injury.
Even gentle forms of exercise, like walking, swimming, or stretching, can make a noticeable difference for people with chronic pain. Chiropractors often work with patients to develop customized exercise plans that promote flexibility, strength, and endurance, without exacerbating pain. By incorporating daily movement into their routine, chronic pain sufferers can experience greater mobility, reduced discomfort, and an improved quality of life.
Specific Spinal Joint Movement with Chiropractic Adjustments
At the heart of chiropractic care are spinal adjustments, a technique that involves the precise application of force to specific joints in the spine. These adjustments help restore natural movement and alignment to the spine, which can become disrupted by poor posture, injury, or repetitive stress. When the spine is out of alignment, it can place pressure on nerves, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced function.
By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic adjustments relieve pressure on the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This process not only provides immediate pain relief but also addresses the underlying mechanical dysfunctions that contribute to chronic pain. Over time, patients often experience improved spinal health, increased range of motion, and long-lasting pain relief without the need for medication.
Incorporating chiropractic adjustments into a broader pain management plan can offer a powerful, natural solution for chronic pain sufferers looking to avoid the dangers of opioid medications.
The opioid crisis has shed light on the urgent need for effective, non-drug solutions to manage chronic pain. One such solution is chiropractic care, which has been shown to reduce the reliance on opioid medications for pain management. As more patients and healthcare providers seek alternatives to opioids, chiropractic has gained attention for its ability to provide long-term pain relief without the risks of addiction and harmful side effects. At Newbold Chiropractic in Half Moon Bay, Dr. Sidhartha Jandial specializes in delivering patient-centered, non-invasive chiropractic care to help individuals manage their pain naturally.
Chiropractic’s Role in Reducing Opioid Prescriptions
Numerous studies have demonstrated that patients who receive chiropractic care are less likely to be prescribed opioids for pain relief. This is especially true for those suffering from chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions—areas where chiropractic treatment excels. Research published in Pain Medicine found that patients who visited a chiropractor were significantly less likely to fill an opioid prescription compared to those who did not seek chiropractic care. These findings highlight the critical role chiropractic can play in addressing the opioid crisis by offering a drug-free alternative to pain management.
Chiropractic care is particularly effective because it targets the root causes of pain, rather than merely masking the symptoms with medication. Through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and other manual techniques, chiropractors help realign the spine, improve joint function, and reduce nerve irritation. This leads to long-term relief without the need for medications that can lead to dependency and addiction. For patients seeking a holistic approach to pain management, chiropractic care offers a solution that supports the body’s natural healing processes and promotes overall wellness.
Chiropractic Care Has Been Proven to Reduce the Need for Opioid Medications
Research continues to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care in reducing the need for opioid prescriptions. A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients who received chiropractic care for spinal pain had a 64% lower risk of filling an opioid prescription. These results are a testament to the power of chiropractic care to provide effective, long-lasting pain relief that doesn't rely on drugs.
In cases of severe chronic pain, chiropractic care has proven to be a valuable tool. While opioids may offer short-term relief, they come with significant risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, and other life-threatening side effects. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, addresses the structural issues that contribute to pain, leading to sustained improvements in mobility, flexibility, and overall quality of life. With a focus on spinal health and musculoskeletal function, chiropractors provide a natural and sustainable approach to pain management that allows patients to avoid the dangerous cycle of opioid dependency.
If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic pain and wants to explore non-opioid treatment options, consider scheduling an appointment at Newbold Chiropractic. Dr. Sidhartha Jandial and his team are dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term relief through personalized chiropractic care. By addressing the underlying causes of pain, they help individuals regain control of their health and reduce the need for risky opioid medications. Take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life by scheduling your consultation today!
Dr. Sidhartha Jandial is proud to be serving the coastal community of Half Moon Bay. His education consists of Bachelors in Biology (University of California, Riverside), Masters in Public Health (Loma Linda University), and Doctorates in Chiropractic (Life Chiropractic College West).
