About 30 years ago, medicine had a shift in how they thought pain should be addressed. "Pain is a 5th vital sign" became a rallying cry, and new medications were created to block pain…at all costs. They now know that these medications created a never-before-seen healthcare epidemic. To begin with, the drugs weren't very good at addressing chronic pain, and they require larger and larger doses to achieve an effect over time.
Taking a stand against opioids starts with our ability to help people find relief from chronic pain. Nearly all of our primary healthcare organizations have now advocated for a non-drug approach to care. And the data is clear- people are looking for solutions for chronic pain that extend beyond a prescription.
Chronic pain is described as biopsychosocial, which means that it's complex and has many dimensions. Creating personalized care, goal-oriented, and coordinated care plans are critical and exactly why our practice begins each patient with a complete and thorough evaluation. Our evaluation helps us understand your history, your goals, and your current challenges. From there, we can create a comprehensive plan of care that enables you to find long-term relief from chronic pain.
What are opioids and why are they dangerous? Mayo Clinic. 2018
Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain. 2020
Opioid Addiction. Stat Pearls. 2021
Healing the Unmet Needs of Patients Suffering from Chronic Pain. 2019
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Dr. Smith
Dr. Alys Smith provides quality chiropractic care to patients in the Downtown Seattle and surrounding areas. If you suffer from back pain, neck pain, headache, sciatica or have been in an auto collision, Dr. Alys Smith can get you back on the road to health.