Americans’ Use of Prescription Drugs Is Disturbingly High
In recent Congressional testimony, a national group of medical professionals presented their findings that Americans’ use of prescription medications is growing at alarming rates. Americans make up 4.6% of the world’s population, yet we consume 80% of the world’s opioid supply and 99% of the hydrocodone supply.
While these types of pain medications are legal with a prescription, they have proven to be highly addictive. Sadly, prescription drug addiction often leads to illegal drug abuse. Also, crime committed by drug abusers has skyrocketed and prescription drug overdose is the number one cause of acute preventable death in the US. The financial and emotional cost of addiction to families, communities and the healthcare system is inestimable.
While doctors in the U.S. write over 250 million painkiller prescriptions each year, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has renewed their call for an emphasis on conservative treatments before turning to painkiller medications for back pain and neck pain conditions. Chiropractors are committed to ending the public health crisis of prescription overuse for the treatment of pain and chronic pain.
As ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC stated: “Opioid medications involve the risk of overuse and addiction. Beyond the risks of overuse and addiction, prescription drugs that numb pain may convince a patient that a musculoskeletal condition is less severe than it is, or that it has healed. This misunderstanding can lead to overexertion and a delay in the healing process or even to permanent injury.”
Like his colleagues, Dr. Richard Busch of Busch Chiropractic believes that people who suffer painful conditions of the back and neck — whether a new condition or chronic in nature — should be fully informed of the drug-free and non-surigcal treatments available. Dr. Busch and his staff understand that each individual is unique and they tailor treatment plans to find the most effective — and SAFEST — treatment for the patient.
If pain is impacting your life or the life of someone you love, contact our office to learn more about our non-invasive, drug-free treattments to lead you to a pain-free life.
