Healthy News March 2025 Chiropractic Care and Opioid Reduction for Back and Neck Pain

picture of Minster back pain relief 

Back and neck pain are among the most common causes of chronic discomfort, often leading individuals to depend on opioids for relief. While effective for short-term pain management, opioids have with them risks of dependency and side effects. Chiropractic care poses a proven, drug-free alternative that effectively addresses pain at its source, reducing the need for opioid medication.

Chiropractic treatments, including spinal manipulation and manual decompression, focus on correcting musculoskeletal misalignments that contribute to pain. According to a 2025 study by Trager et al., patients receiving chiropractic care for sciatica experienced fewer opioid-related adverse events, highlighting its role in reducing dependency on opioid medications. (1) Likewise, Kruse et al. (2023) found that patients with failed back surgery syndrome significantly lowered their opioid use after just three months of manual spinal decompression therapy. (2)

Beyond back pain relief, chiropractic care provides] additional benefits by decreasing reliance on opioids. This lessens the risk of addiction and avoids the unpleasant side effects associated with long-term opioid use. Chiropractic treatment empowers patients to take a proactive, holistic approach to their health, fostering long-term recovery and an improved quality of life.

If you’re living with back or neck pain and seeking an effective, science-backed alternative to opioids, chiropractic care offers a safe and trusted solution. With a focus on addressing the root cause of pain, this approach allows you to regain control over your health and well-being.

Explore chiropractic care options at Minster Chiropractic Center and start your journey toward pain relief without the risks of opioids.

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Kim Lombardy on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson about how utilizing The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management is beneficial in easing patient use of opioids to manage their back pain.

Minster chiropractic exercise for back pain relief 

TIP OF THE MONTH: Try Sit-To-Stand Combo Exercise to Help Your Spine!

Keep exercise simple! Pairing sit-to-stand exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) could be a game-changer for those struggling with low back pain. According to a study by Lee KH and Chon SC (2024), this unique combination not only enhances pain relief but also fosters muscle growth in individuals with low back instability. (3) Sit-to-stand movements are simple, functional exercises that improve strength and mobility, while BFR increases circulation and targets muscular adaptation without placing undue stress on the back. Together, they offer a safe and effective approach for tackling low back pain, helping patients regain strength and stability in their daily activities.

Bring your spine and all its issues to us. We’re ready to help. We look forward to seeing you!

Make your Minster chiropractic appointment today!

"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."