Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent conditions in the United States today. In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, chronic pain effects more than 76 million people in US today, that’s more than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. The most common cause of disability, chronic pain is cited as the number one reason that people seek out health care and as such, is a major contributor to health care costs.
Chronic pain can be attributed to several different factors but the most commonly reported conditions are low back pain, which approximately 27% of patients report, followed by migraine or severe headache pain with 15%, neck pain with 15% and facial pain with 4%. Of these patients, more than half felt they had little or no control over the pain and two-thirds said that the pain has an impact on their overall enjoyment of life. Add to that the impact of lost work and wages and the toll on the chronic pain sufferer is huge.
For patients who are suffering from chronic pain, the traditional treatment plan has relied heavily on prescription medications. These drugs have become a huge problem in the US today. The second most abused category of drugs, prescription painkillers are considered a major contributor to drug deaths. In 2013 alone, more than 16,000 people died from the use of prescription painkillers.
However, today there are alternatives for those suffering from chronic pain. From natural remedies like vitamin and mineral supplements and aromatherapy to physical therapy and even hypnotherapy, there are a wide range of options that have proven helpful in some patients. One avenue of treatment for chronic pain is through the techniques utilized in Chiropractic Neurology. This safe and effective way to treat patients without drugs or invasive practices such as surgery combines cutting-edge practices with traditional chiropractic care to return the body to a state of overall well being.
While there are many different ways of approaching a patient’s care through Chiropractic Neurology, one therapy that has found success for patients suffering from pain and other conditions such as balance disorders lies in light therapy. Since the most direct path to the brain in via the eye, this technique provides the optimal stimulation to the brain using the optic nerve to strengthen the weaker side of the brain. Light therapy has been shown to stimulate and energize the body’s cells without injuring them and has proven effective for a wide variety of conditions.
As with any condition, chronic pain should be evaluated by your doctor. As we are each individuals in personality and genetic makeup, our needs and paths to safe and effective medical treatments vary as well. There is no one standard way or pill that is right for everyone. If you or a loved one has been suffering from chronic pain and would like to know more about how Chiropractic Neurology can help you through an individualized care plan and drug-free treatments, please contact us today at the Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center.