Navigating the Common Issue of Chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP)
Hello, Alliance Allies! Chronic Low Back Pain (cLBP) is no stranger to the elderly population affecting a staggering 70% to 85% at least once during their lifetime. Of those, 90%experience more than one episode of back pain, hindering daily activities essential for independent living. The escalating costs of treating low back pain among Medicare beneficiaries, coupled with poor outcomes, calls for a reevaluation of current treatment approaches.
The Questionable Route: Opioid Medications
Despite a lack of long-term safety data, the use of opioid medications for cLBP treatment remains prevalent. In the US, overprescription is believed to be a leading cause of the current opioid crisis. It is also suggested that the potential risks of opioids are amplified among older patients. The consequences can extend to escalated care such as hospitalizations, advanced imaging, and even surgery.
A Promising Alternative: Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT)
Chiropractic care, specifically Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT), is a non-pharmacological alternative. Studies provide evidence that among older patients, escalated care and adverse drug effects are less likely when SMT is used as an initial treatment for cLBP. These findings are telling and could have implications for improving patient safety and reducing overall healthcare costs.
Unlocking the Benefits at Alliance Chiropractic
At Alliance Chiropractic, located in Ancaster and part of the Greater Hamilton Area, our health care experts offer a variety of treatment options for cLBP. If you or your loved one is navigating the challenges of back pain, contact us to learn how we can help. We welcome patients of all ages and offer acute treatment options to address ongoing cLBP, as well as maintenance care to prevent future injury. Our non-invasive, drug-free solutions aim to help our patients reach their wellness, movement, and activity goals.