Understanding Pain: Chiropractic Vs. Painkillers

It's common to reach for a pain killer like Advil or Tylenol when you've got a headache or some soreness, but did you know that for back pain, chiropractic care has been found to be more effective?

Chiropractic vs Pills

There's absolutely nothing wrong with taking pain-relieving medication every so often. They deliver quick, reliable relief from acute discomfort. Pain killers work one of two ways: by reducing inflammation in the body, and by blocking pain receptors in the nervous system so that we can carry on with life even if we wake up with aches or stiff joints, or injure ourselves during the course of the day.

However, multiple studies have shown that acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not offer long-term relief. The FDA, the CDC, and the American College of Physicians have all released statements indicating that for back pain, "non-pharmacologic therapy are preferred." (Per George, Lentz, and Goertz)

What's more, “patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors showed greater improvement and satisfaction at one month than patients treated by family physicians," per the Journal of Patient Experience.

The reason? Conditions like back pain, persistent stiffness in the neck, or difficulty getting extremities through a full range of motion often point to a mechanical problem.

Persistent aches and pains? We can help! Call or text 917-338-7917 or email info.drvalentedc@gmail.com!

You take your car to the gas station for a quick fix when it needs gas, but you know to take your car to the mechanic when the "check engine" light comes on. Similarly, a chiropractor is better-equipped to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your discomfort, and manual therapy can bring you meaningful, lasting relief. 

Chiropractic treats more than backs

As many of our patients already know, chiropractic treats more than just back pain.

Not only can spinal manipulation help treat a host of symptoms, but our office is also equipped with countless therapy options and modalities, from red light therapy, Graston, Active Release Technique, cupping, and therapeutic exercises.

These many treatment methods are what physicians call conservative care. The goal is non-invasive visits that restore function while minimizing risk. 

In addition, our office connects patients to our trusted network of specialists, from acupuncture to personal training to functional nutrition to ensure our clients have expert advice and care every step of the way in their health journey.

Why does my pain come back?

Plenty of patients have had the experience of feeling great after their visit, then finding their pain return a few days later.

Sure, it's frustrating to have discomfort come back. So if chiropractic is so highly recommended for dealing with pain, why does it often take more than a single adjustment to work?

To understand this, it's helpful to remember that our office treats pain holistically: pain is often not the root cause of a patient's concern, it is a side-effect. Correctly identifying the cause and delivering treatment is a complex process.

Additionally, pain is the last thing to come on and the first thing to go away. Just because your pain is gone does not mean your dysfunction is gone: treating that can take a little more effort! In the same way that a patient would not expect to go to a gym once and step out with six-pack abs, a patient cannot expect a chiropractor to treat their spinal, muscular, and myofascial dysfunction in one go.

Nevertheless, sticking to a plan, performing your prescribed stretches and exercises outside of the office and following the doctor's care plan can help you address your discomfort and regain function is a science-backed way to reclaim your health.

We're confident that no pill can do what we do!