September has been declared in order to dispel any doubts that we are currently facing an opioid abuse crisis. “Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month.”
Accent on “drug-free.”
In the news about the staggering number of drug-related deaths — more than 90 Americans per day — it is easy to forget that many patients’ downslope began with what must have looked like a routine doctor’s prescription for OxyContin.
“It’s become a sadly common story,” NPR reported. “People get prescribed painkillers. They become addicted. And then they seek out cheaper and more potent drugs like heroin and synthetic opioids.”
That the September designation comes from the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, and is included on the SHSMD/American Hospital Association’s Calendar of Health Observances & Recognition Days, makes perfect sense.
A number of health experts support a long-standing belief in a “chiropractic-first”Approach — arguing it was a safer and more effective way to treat many patients’ pain in the spine and joints. Others joined after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraged physicians to consider alternatives to opioids. The American College of Physicians recommended spinal manipulation.
A month-long series involving the public, state legislators and healthcare professionals will be held to highlight the importance of chiropractic for seniors, pregnant women and military veterans as well as other pain sufferers.
“I’m living proof that chiropractic works,’ said Ret. Brig. Gen. Becky Halstead, who made history as the first female graduate of West Point (1981) to be promoted to General Officer. Halstead, the events’ honorary chairperson, credits her own chiropractor for finally relieving the pain from her chronic fibromyalgia.
For more information, visit .drugfreepaincare.org”>www.drugfreepaincare.org.
