Why America Can’t Kick Its Painkiller Problem

This is the American Chiropractic Association's response to a recent Time magazine cover story entitiled: Why America Can't Kick Its Painkiller Problem. Medical associations are recognizing the problem and looking for strategies to deal with the disproportionate prescription and use of opioids (narcotic drugs) in the United States. 
Would it not be rational to try chiropractic and other conservative treatments first and keep the dangerous drugs as a last resort?

Letter to TIME on Painkillers

Many Migraine Sufferers Given Narcotic Painkillers, Barbiturates

Two more studies showing very high rate of prescriptions for narcotic drugs given to migraine sufferers. One study found an over 50% rate for adults and the other study found a 16% rate for children. Narcotics are considered last-resort, "rescue" drugs for migraines that won't subside. Narcotics are potentially addictive, can cause withdrawal symptoms, and may make migraines worse in the long run. Dr. Lawrence Newman, president of the American Headache Society was quoted as saying "These findings are upsetting".
This is upsetting to me. Is it upsetting to you?
Many Migraine Sufferers Given Narcotic Painkillers, Barbiturates

Back and Joint Disorders Continue to be Major Cause of Worldwide Illness

A new study published in the medical journal Lancet finds that low back disorders continue to be the number one worldwide cause of ill health. Musculoskeletal disorders (mainly conditions such as low back pain, neck pain and arthritis) make up a large percentage of lost years to illness.
I know it is easy to not take back and joint problems seriously if you have never had a severe case, but the statistics show that they are a major cause of disability.
Has anyone experienced any disability related to back or musculoskeletal disorders?
World's Population Is Getting Sicker, Study Shows

These researches conclude that the very small possible benefit from surgery for knee arthritis is not worth the risks of the surgery which include deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, infection, and death. This is from a new systematic review of 9 previous studies published in the British Medical Journal. 
We are finding that many spine and joint surgeries give less benefit than previously thought.
Do you think it might be more rational to start out with more conservative procedures such as chiropractic or physical therapy?

Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knee: systematic review and meta-analysis of benefits and harms

Chiropractic Care Better than Medical Care in Keeping Seniors with Back Pain More Active

Back pain can be a significant challenge for those seniors looking to maintain their activities of daily living. One study found that chiropractic care for uncomplicated back pain can actually keep seniors more active longer. “The findings from this study suggest that chiropractic use in episodes of care for uncomplicated back conditions has protective effects against declines in ADLs, and self-rated health for older Medicare beneficiaries over a 2-year period.”
Regular chiropractic care can be very beneficial for seniors who wish to stay active as well as everyone with a spine.
Do you know that doctors of chiropractic treat millions of Medicare patients and seniors?
The Comparative Effect of Episodes of Chiropractic and Medical Treatment on the Health of Older Adults

What to Expect at the First Chiropractic Consultation

Many times new patients will ask my staff what happens on the first chiropractic visit. Here is a good description from the Spine-health website. Just like any other physician a history is taken, an examination is performed, and further testing is performed or ordered if necessary. This site also has a link to common manipulations/adjustments for various parts of the body demonstrated by Dr. Matt Kowalski from my previous posting.
What to Expect at the First Chiropractic Consultation

Chiropractic Adjustment of the Thoracic Spine (Upper Back) Video

Many people unfamiliar with chiropractic and spinal manipulation think that manipulation is an aggressive type of treatment. If performed correctly it is not aggressive and it is much safer than many common medical treatments.
Here is a video showing a few common types of thoracic or mid back manipulations (adjustments). This is by a doctor that was in my chiropractic class graduating in 1990. He is now board certified in orthopedics and a staff chiropractor for Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Chiropractic Adjustment of the Thoracic Spine (Upper Back) Video