The Problem with Relying on Medications for Low Back Pain

It’s safe to assume that all of us have an over-the-counter pain reliever like Aleve or Ibuprofen in our medicine cabinets at home. From a young age, we learn to have these on hand to help us find short-term relief from temporary headaches or other body aches and pains. 

We’re looking for immediate symptom relief… And that is ALL these medications are designed to do - to temporarily mask the symptoms.  They are not intended to treat the underlying condition causing those symptoms. They are also not intended to be used long-term. 

When it comes to chronic low back pain, NSAIDs like these will not help you find long-term relief. So, if you’re one of the many living with low back pain in Elmhurst, IL here’s what you need to know. 

Bottom Line:

Although NSAID medications can be purchased over the counter, it doesn't mean they don't have risks and dangers. 

Over the past twenty years, we've seen the effects of low back pain change our healthcare landscape forever. 

• It’s estimated that 100,000 people are hospitalized each year from NSAID related complications.
• Each day, it’s estimated that 100 people pass away as a result of opioid overdoses.

Leading healthcare organizations have taken note. 

They’ve also taken note of the many benefits of chiropractic care for low back pain and now recommend that movement-based care options, such as chiropractic, should be explored for most low back issues before medications. 

Why it Matters:

As chiropractors, we take a whole-body (holistic) approach to health and healing.

The World Health Organization supports chiropractic care and other non-invasive interventions for the treatment of acute, subacute, and especially chronic back pain.

In addition, Harvard Health, The Mayo Clinic, and other established healthcare organizations have published numerous articles highlighting the benefits of chiropractic and movement-based treatment options.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain

Most people who explore chiropractic care take far fewer medications than those who don't.  Why? Because it works. Movement-based strategies such as spinal adjustments, controlled exercise, and dynamic stretching are a few of the most effective ways to relieve low back issues. 

We see the effects first-hand every day at our chiropractic practice in Elmhurst, IL. And not only are movement-based strategies good at providing fast relief, but research strongly suggests that such conservative care interventions may also offer a preventative effect when continued over time. 

That’s why the care that chiropractors deliver ranks at the top of nearly every list!

The use of heat, massage, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi or yoga, and low-level laser therapy can also be beneficial for both back-specific and overall function improvements as well as improvements in your overall health-related quality of life.

Next Steps:

Medications are designed to mask the pain, not fix the problem. Receiving a complete and comprehensive evaluation is the first step towards finding relief.

As a conservative care based practice, we believe in focusing on treating the root cause of an issue and ongoing prevention rather than treating and masking the symptoms.

After discovering the cause of your pain, we can work together to craft a care plan that will help you not only reduce your pain so you can reach your health goals.

If you or someone you know is struggling with low back pain and you’re ready to see a chiropractor who specializes in Elmhurst, IL call us today. Our doors are open, and we’re here to help you get and stay out of back pain for years to come. 

Science Sources:

Receiving Usual Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Care Alone. Pain Med. 2022.

Noninvasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain. American College of Physicians. 2017.