Overdose Patients Continue to be Prescribed Opioids
As the opioid epidemic continues, the number of casualties continue to rise. The CDC reported that the rate of deaths from opioid overdose (including prescription opioids and heroin) increased by 200% between 2000 and 2014. While they did note an increase in heroin overdose, the vast majority of the deaths were from prescription opioid painkillers – over 16,000 people just in the year 2013.
In a 2015 report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers examined health insurance claims from 1999-2010. They reviewed records for nearly 3,000 patients who were prescribed an opioid for chronic pain and were also treated for a non-fatal opioid overdose during that 12-year period.
They found that a startling 91% of the overdose survivors continued to be prescribed opioid painkiller prescriptions. Sadly, those survivors were twice as likely to overdose again within 2 years of the initial overdose.
Lead author Marc LaRochelle of Boston Medical Center stated “[t]he intent of this study is not to point fingers but rather use the results to motivate physicians, policy makers and researchers to improve how we identify and treat patients at risk of opioid-related harms before they occur.”
The need for safe pain management options is immense. Thankfully, the chiropractic community is available to help. With safe, effective, non-pharmaceutical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, the cause of the pain can be addressed and move the patient towards a healthier life.
Research shows that patients who see chiropractors first are less likely to need surgery or begin taking highly addictive opioid painkillers. For those already on painkillers, receiving chiropractic care to correct the root cause of the pain and thus alleviate the physical pain, can be a vital component of recovery.
If you or a loved one are experiencing pain, try #chiropractic1st. Treating the cause of pain and preventing recurrence is the first step to avoiding the need for risky medications like opioids. If you are already experiencing chronic pain, your chiropractor can work with your other health care providers to treat your condition and reduce the reliance on medications.
Of course, the best offense is a good defense. Regular chiropractic care can help promote proper posture and keep the body operating at optimum levels, reducing the chance of degeneration, injury and illness.
Talk to your chiropractor for information on improving eating habits, starting an exercise program that would be appropriate for your lifestyle and current health and other preventative endeavors for a healthier life.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2015/12/91-of-patients-that-survive-opioid-overdose-are-prescribed-more-opioids/
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2015.