A recent study reveals that chiropractic spinal manipulation significantly decreases opioid-related adverse drug events among sciatica patients, offering an alternative to traditional pain management methods.
With the ongoing opioid crisis, finding effective non-pharmacological methods for pain management is crucial for healthcare providers.
A new retrospective cohort study carried out by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and published in PLOS One indicates that chiropractic spinal manipulation could be an effective treatment for reducing opioid-related adverse events in patients with sciatica. By leveraging data from over 744,000 patients, the researchers found a significant reduction in opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADEs) and opioid prescriptions among those who received chiropractic care compared to those who did not. The study emphasizes the importance of offering evidence-based non-pharmacological alternatives for pain management.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation can significantly decrease opioid-related adverse drug events.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation is correlated with a decreased incidence of opioid-related adverse events in patients with sciatica.
Evidence suggests a lower incidence of negative outcomes with chiropractic care compared to traditional medical approaches.
The relationship between chiropractic spinal manipulation and reduced opioid events is based on observed outcomes in the study.
In recent research conducted by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, chiropractic spinal manipulation has shown promising results in reducing opioid-related adverse drug events in sciatica patients. This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the TriNetX Diamond Network, involving over 744,000 individuals.
"This work underscores that chiropractic spinal manipulation is not only an effective analgesic and rehabilitative modality - but perhaps more importantly, may be a life-saving one," said Roshini Srinivasan, MD, co-author and resident physician at Duke University Hospital.
The study's findings indicate that patients who received chiropractic care had a significantly lower likelihood of experiencing opioid-related adverse events compared to those who received usual medical care. This suggests a potential shift in how pain management strategies could be implemented to minimize opioid dependency.
Healthcare providers should consider incorporating evidence-based non-drug treatments for sciatica.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation offers a viable non-pharmacological approach to managing sciatica-related pain.
Current clinical guidelines are increasingly supporting non-pharmacological interventions for pain management.
Given the data supporting reduced adverse outcomes with CSM, there is a logical basis for recommending it as part of treatment protocols.
The study's findings align with clinical practice guidelines that recommend spinal manipulation as part of a multimodal approach to treating sciatica. This approach is critical, especially in the backdrop of an ongoing opioid crisis, where non-pharmacological methods pose as safer alternatives.
"In light of the ongoing opioid crisis, these findings underscore the importance of offering evidence-based non-pharmacological alternatives for pain management," said Dr. Françoise Adan, Chief Whole Health and Well-being Officer at UH Connor Whole Health.
By reducing the prescription rate of opioids and the occurrence of related adverse events, chiropractic spinal manipulation presents an opportunity for healthcare professionals to adopt safer therapeutic interventions. This evidence places chiropractic care as a strong contender in the realm of integrative pain management strategies.
Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind the reduced opioid risk associated with CSM.
The precise mechanisms by which chiropractic spinal manipulation reduces opioid risks need continued investigation.
Determining whether the benefits originate from the manipulation itself or other factors is crucial for accurate clinical application.
The current study calls for additional research to explore whether the observed reduction in opioid-related adverse events is attributable directly to chiropractic spinal manipulation or could also be influenced by the broader engagement with non-pharmacological healthcare providers such as physical therapists.
According to Robert Trager, DC, lead author of the study, "Although previous studies demonstrated a reduced likelihood of opioid prescription among patients receiving chiropractic care, our study is the first to focus on opioid-related adverse events, adding a layer of clinical relevance to our work."
Understanding the exact benefits of chiropractic treatment in the broader context of healthcare could help refine pain management methodologies and enhance patient safety, particularly for populations at risk of opioid dependency.