Opiate prescriptions down at the VA, alternatives on the rise

Great news! The Veterans Administration has significantly reduced its over-prescribing of opioid (narcotic) drugs by 25% in the last 3 years even with one half million more veterans in their system. They have greatly increased alternatives with 50% of the VA hospitals now employing doctors of chiropractic.
Why do you think this took so long?

Opiate prescriptions down at the VA, alternatives on the rise

Many Back Pain Patients Get Limited Relief From Opioids And Worry About Taking Them, Survey Shows

The American Society of Anesthesiologists recently presented research showing that many patients only get limited relief from opioid (narcotic) drugs while experiencing side effects that effect the quality of their lives. There is also no evidence that they are effective for back pain of more than 3 months duration, although they are commonly prescribed for these chronic conditions.
The Society states that while some patients may benefit from opioids for severe pain for a few days after an injury, physicians need to wean their patients off them and use multi-modal therapies instead.”
Does this sound like a good recommendation to you?

Many Back Pain Patients Get Limited Relief From Opioids And Worry About Taking Them, Survey Shows

Medical licensing laws restrict access to more affordable options like chiropractors.

Americans spend $300 billion annually on pain treatment. Much of this is on treatment for back and neck pain, which two-thirds of us have sought at some point.
The American College of Physicians ( the national organization for internal medicine physicians) recommends chiropractic and physical therapy as effective for mechanical back disorders.
US News and World Report argues that a substantial amount of this money could be saved if more Americans were given easier access to chiropractic and physical therapy services.


Medical licensing laws restrict access to more affordable options like chiropractors.

Chiropractic Care results in less time off for injured workers

Injured workers receiving chiropractic care had the lowest costs for time off work as compared to workers who had treatment by medical physicians or physical therapists. That is the finding from a new study published in the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.
Does this surprise anyone?
Association Between the Type of First Healthcare Provider and the Duration of Financial Compensation for Occupational Back Pain