|
Recent research from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that millions of Americans are living with chronic pain. According to Pain News Network, both groups, though underneath the Department of Public Health, had very different findings when it came to the amount of Americans living with chronic pain — though that is perhaps one of the hallmarks of attempting to create statistics around something like pain; it’s hard to define, hard to track, and sometimes hard to understand. Though the CDC’s research, published in September of last year, found that 50 million Americans may be living with chronic pain, the NIH found that closer to 11 million Americans may be living with chronic pain. However, the CDC did estimate that closer to 20 million Americans live with what they denoted as “high impact pain.” This is pain that makes it difficult to carry on daily tasks. The CDC’s findings showed that women, unemployed older adults, adults living in poverty or rural areas, and people without public health insurance are far more likely to have chronic pain, while the risk of pain is lower for those Americans holding a bachelor’s degree. The NIH’s findings showed that nearly 83 percent of people living with high impact pain are unable to work, while nearly 30 percent have difficulty with daily activities such as dressing or bathing. For chiropractic professionals, these studies are hardly be surprising. Many patients seeking out chiropractic care and other alternative therapies do so because of chronic pain, and their inability to find relief with traditional medicine. The Food and Drug Administration has started to create more dialogue about the accessibility and effectiveness of pain care in America. In July of 2018, the FDA held a public hearing where pain patients and physicians testified about the lack of options, and the future of pain care. Chiropractic care, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, myofascial release, ultrasound therapy, and herbal and nutritional therapies may be the key to helping chronic pain sufferers cope. From many of the testimonies given during the FDA’s hearing, traditional pain care is no longer effectively helping some chronic pain sufferers. As our population continues to grow, and we continue to learn about many of the negative long-term effects of opioid pain medication, the millions of pain patients, and the entire medical community, will be looking for solutions. Chiropractors can help fill a void in chronic pain treatment for the millions of Americans who suffer each year. By helping those individuals most at risk for chronic pain in order to help reach a large population which may be frustrated with a lack of pain care options. In addition, in a time where the future of medical insurance and healthcare costs are relatively unknown, the affordability of chiropractic care can offer an accessible solution for those living with chronic pain. With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Doyle has devoted his entire career to researching and exploring alternative medicine and modalities. Dr. Cody Doyle treats patients with a range of symptoms, including chronic or recurring pain, at Doyle Chiropractic in Roanoke, TX. For more information on Doyle Chiropractic, call 817-767-5430.
Related Articles -
chiropractic care, alternative pain management, chronic pain,
|
