"For the first time, a major medical organization takes a stand on rampant overuse of opioids for treating back pain, headaches and migraines
Powerful painkillers do little to improve patients’ daily functioning, finds the American Academy of Neurology in a new position statement on opioid (narcotic) painkillers for chronic pain not related to cancer."
Below is an article from Time magazine.
Why do you think more medical organizations have not come out against this gross over-prescribing?

http://time.com/3445728/painkillers-opioids-dangerous/

Beat the Blues With Exercise

As a life long athlete, I speak continually to my patients about the benefits of exercise. Recent research has shown even more benefits including a reduction in depression. In fact some researchers now claim that exercise is as good as drug therapy for mild and moderate depression (the majority of cases) without the harmful side effects of drugs. I have included a link to my health letter.
Has anyone had their mood helped with exercise?

http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=2047

Treating lower-back pain How much bed rest is too much?

Below is an instructional piece about bed rest for back injuries produced jointly by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the North American Spine Society ( of whom I recently mentioned), and Consumer Reports Health. Current guidelines recommend only up to 2 days of bed rest for the most severe back disorders, except for unstable fractures.
Soft tissue heals better with movement, just the opposite of bone.
Were you aware of the current recommendations?

http://consumerhealthchoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ChoosingWiselyBackPainBedRestNASS-ER.pdf

Tobacco Smoking is a risk factor for back disorder and back pain

My patients are usually surprised when I inform them that smoking is a risk factor for back disorders/pain. The main theory is that this is due to decreased blood flow to the spine and discs.
This is a 30 second video by the North American Spine Society. This is a multidisciplinary group of providers in which more than 50% of the practice is devoted to spinal care and includes MD's, osteopaths, chiropractors and physical therapists.
Did you know that smoking was a risk factor for back pain?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js2_fIVd2Rk

American Chiropractic Association - Acquiring Skills – Steven Santolin, DC

Here is an article in the latest edition of the American Chiropractic Association's monthly news publication that mentions my recent certification as a medical examiner for DOT examinations.

http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=5562