Can chiropractic care reduce the need for opioids? Dr. Keyes says yes, and the research agrees.
Opioids may mask pain temporarily, but they don’t solve the root cause of discomfort, and often lead to higher doses over time. Chiropractic care addresses spinal function directly, helping many patients find real relief without relying on addictive medications.
Research highlights:
– Patients with spinal pain who saw a chiropractor had about half the risk of filling an opioid prescription compared to those who only saw primary care. (Whedon et al., 2020, PubMed)
– In a low-income population, a course of chiropractic care led to meaningful decreases in both pain and opioid use. (Passmore et al., 2022, PMC)
– Starting chiropractic care early for lower back pain was linked with a reduced need for long-term opioid use. (Acharya et al., 2022, ScienceDirect)
Chiropractic isn’t just about feeling better today; it’s about safer, smarter healing for tomorrow.
