You hurt your back, and the nagging pain is so bad you are wondering, what’s the best non-invasive solution; take medication or see a chiropractor for back pain relief? The best answer will be up to you and your health – but we have some great common-sense suggestions.
First of all, you are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Heath (NIH), 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, back pain is a leading cause of morbidity and disability in the United States. So, let’s explore your non-invasive medical options and help you make the best decision for you and your health.
Back Pain Relief: Medication vs Chiropractic Care
Taking Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain come in two categories: acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, Advil, topical creams, ointments, or pain patches. These OTC medications are available everywhere, should give you some pain relief, and (for those keeping score) win as the simplest solution.
OTC medications for acetaminophen and NSAIDs work very differently. Acetaminophen works in the brain to elevate the body’s overall pain threshold (so you feel less pain), while NSAIDs work to reduce inflammation in the injured areas.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of taking OTC medications in greater detail.
The Pros: Taking OTC Medications for Back Pain
- Easy to obtain: Anyone can buy them at almost any store, even at some vending machines. There are no age limitations to purchase.
- Easy to take: Got water? Just swallow a pill. Don’t like to swallow pills; just rub on a cream, ointment, or slap on a patch.
- Tolerable: While some people cannot tolerate certain OTC medications, generally, these are well tolerated, even for younger children and older adults.
- NSAIDs reduce swelling: There is a medical benefit to taking an NSAID. It will temporarily reduce the swelling and inflammation of injured areas.
The Cons: Taking OTC Medications for Back Pain
- Possible side effects: Sometimes, OTC medications can cause stomach pain or irritation, while long-term use may cause ulcers, liver problems, discomfort, heart attack, or stroke, to name a few.
- Possible drug interactions: These OTC medications will have minor to severe interactions with other drugs. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you take prescription medications to check for interactions.
- May be unsafe: If you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or any other chronic condition, you may not be able to take certain OTC medications as they may cause more harm than good. You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any OTC medications.
- Only Temporary relief: When you are in pain, even temporary relief is helpful, but just keep in mind that pain relief from OTC medications is temporary, and repeated dosing is required.
Consult this resource from Mayo Clinic for more side effects from ibuprofen, and follow this link for side effects of acetaminophen. For a quick resource to check for drug interactions, go here (but always consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding interactions before taking any medication).
Taking Pain Medications that Require a Prescription
Prescribed medications for back pain include painkillers (opioids), muscle relaxers, and prescription NSAIDs. While some of these medications may be necessary to help reduce unbearable pain, they do require a prescription and can come with some severe side effects.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of taking prescription medications in greater detail.
The Pros: Taking Prescription Medications for Back Pain
- Works very well for pain: Prescription medication performs very well to reduce and even eliminate pain.
- Easy to take: Most require you to swallow a pill, so they are easy to take. There are prescription rubs, cream, ointment, and even patches too.
- Prescription NSAIDs reduce swelling: There is a medical benefit to taking an NSAID. It will temporarily reduce the swelling and inflammation of injured areas.
The Cons: Taking Prescription Medications for Back Pain
- Possible side effects: Oftentimes, prescription medications can cause serious stomach pain or irritation, nausea, and constipation, while long-term use may cause ulcers, liver problems, discomfort, heart attack, or stroke to name a few.
- Possible disruption of everyday life: Muscle relaxers and painkillers such as opioids can also cause drowsiness and disorientation that can disrupt everyday functions, including being unable to drive.
- Possible opioid addiction: When it comes to prescription painkillers, repeated misuse of opioids can lead to patients developing serious drug addictions.
- Possible drug interactions: These prescription medications will have minor to severe interactions with other drugs. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you take any prescription medications to check for interactions.
- May be unsafe: If you have certain medical conditions, you cannot take certain prescription medications as they may cause more harm than good. You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any additional prescription medications.
- Temporary relief: When you are in pain, even temporary relief is helpful, but just keep in mind that pain relief from prescription medications is temporary, and repeated dosing is required.
Adjustments by a Chiropractor to Help Back Pain
Chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, involves chiropractors using their hands or a specialized instrument to deliver precise, sudden forces to spinal joints. This technique aims to restore proper spinal alignment and function, promoting overall health and well-being. But before any adjustment is made, a chiropractor will provide a thorough medical exam, which includes gathering your health history, performing an actual physical exam, checking your range of motion, and even taking X-rays.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of getting chiropractic adjustments in greater detail.
The Pros: Adjustments by a Chiropractor for Back Pain
- Easy to obtain: Anyone can call or walk into a chiropractic office and initiate treatment. There is no need for referrals for a specialist.
- Drug FREE: This treatment uses no medication and is ideal for those who do not want to take medications or are concerned about interactions or drug side effects.
- Extremely Tolerable: While some people can experience a little discomfort to have their neck or spine adjusted and may even feel and hear a popping or cracking sensation, chiropractic adjustments offer little to no pain during a procedure, similar to what you might feel after a workout.
- Long-Term Benefits/Solutions: Chiropractic care addresses the underlying musculoskeletal issues causing the pain and helps to realign your spine over time. That means you could see an improved range of motion, improvements to your posture, as well as a reduction in pain.
- Safe and Effective: Studies have shown chiropractic care, particularly spinal manipulation, to be effective in managing back pain, often providing similar or better results compared to pain medication alone.
The Cons: Adjustments by a Chiropractor for Back Pain
- Possible side effects: Sometimes after treatment patients can feel tired or sore and even have mild headaches. These results are temporary.
- Time Intensive: Since adjustments are made in a medical office, it will require you to make appointments, get to the clinic, and carve time out of your day for treatments.
- Complications with adjustments: Although incredibly rare, complications associated with chiropractic adjustment could include a herniated disk, nerve compression, or even a specific type of stroke after neck manipulation.
Conclusion: Should I Use Medication or see a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
According to current research, chiropractic care is generally considered to be a better option than most back pain relief medications or products.
- Chiropractic care addresses the underlying cause of pain by spinal adjustments,
- Offers more long-term relief compared to simply masking the pain with medications,
- Helps to release muscle tension and improve flexibility,
- Is non-invasive and drug-free,
- Is easily obtainable,
- And most experts recommend chiropractic treatment as a first-line approach before resorting to medication, especially for mild to moderate back pain.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
While the best treatment approach depends on the individual and the severity of their back pain, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended. There is always the option for chiropractic care to be combined with other treatments like exercise, physical therapy, and even some medications. Always discuss your back pain with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment, including whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
If you live in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, or any of the surrounding areas, Absolute Pain Relief is your source for chiropractic treatment and holistic pain management in the greater Phoenix area. Although based in Chandler, AZ, we help clients throughout the East Valley get the pain relief they need so they can live their best life. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about chiropractic care, massage therapy, sciatic pain treatment, and all the other services we provide.
