By Dr. Krystosik
More than 2 million Americans are dependent on or abuse prescription opioids, a widely prescribed class of painkiller that includes oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), and morphine. The bad news is from 1999 to 2014 more than 165,000 people have died from opioid use. In wake of the opioid epidemic, the Food and Drug Administration FDA is now recommending chiropractic care. Finally, common sense is recommended by one of our nations largest health agencies. I encourage patients to first try chiropractic care for pain management before moving on to riskier, potentially addictive treatments such as opioids. In my clinic, my rule of thumb is if I can’t get a patient with chronic neck or back pain at least 50% improvement or more with the first 30 days, I will refer the patient out to another health care provider. Remember, chiropractic first, drugs and surgery last.
Dr. Krystosik is the host of the radio program “The Other Side of Medicine” every Sunday from 1:00 to 1:30 on 100.1 fm WKNR “the talk of Akron.” He’s the author of five books on natural medicine & nutrition, nationally known speaker and the director of Health Source of Macedonia 330.908.0094 (podcasts of Dr. Krystosik’s radio program at www.TheOtherSideofMedicine.com)
