Before deciding if prescription medication is the right choice for treating your chronic pain, be aware that abuse of prescription drugs are on the rise among adults and the elderly. Opioid painkillers such as Oxy Contin, Percocet and Vicodin are especially addictive because of the way they boost dopamine levels and create a sense of euphoria in the brain. Even people with no history of substance abuse in the past can end up with a serious addiction in the effort to manage their chronic pain.

Pain Treatment and Chiropractic Care in Little Rock

Unlike medications which only manage pain, chiropractic care actually treats the source of pain and can, in some cases, eliminate it completely. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, has no unwanted side effects and it doesn't require a daily dose in order to work. Many types of chronic pain are caused by untreated spinal subluxations-vertebras which are out of alignment with the rest of the spine. A misalignment puts pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves and tissues. Inflammation and mild to severe pain is the result.

Chiropractic adjustments correct the subluxations, directly treating and eliminating the source of pain. However, adjustments aren't the only technique our chiropractors may prescribe. Massage therapy, physical therapy, ergonomic education and other non-invasive, non-addictive modalities work in conjunction with chiropractic care to keep your spine healthy.

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts six months or longer. Living with pain day after day can cause a variety of symptoms:

• Depression
• Poor memory
• Inability to concentrate
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt
• Loss of interest in usual activities

Don't let chronic pain destroy your quality of life. Even if you've been living with pain for years, chiropractic care can offer hope of decreasing or eliminating your pain with non-invasive, drug-free treatments. Please call the Pain Care Associates if you have questions about how our chiropractors can help with chronic pain.

Are you or someone you know living with the symptoms of chronic pain? What are your concerns regarding long-term use of prescription medications?