New Low Back Pain Guidelines Advocating Non-Drug Treatments First
New low back pain treatment guidelines by the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommend first using non-invasive, non-drug treatments before resorting to drug therapies.
ACP’s guidelines, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and based on a review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies, cite heat therapy, massage, acupuncture and spinal manipulation as possible options for non-invasive, non-drug therapies for low back pain. Only when such treatments provide little or no relief, the guidelines state, should patients move on to medicines such as ibuprofen or muscle relaxants, which research indicates have limited pain-relief effects. According to the guidelines, prescription opioids should be a last resort for those suffering from low back pain, as the risk of addiction and overdose may outweigh the benefits.
If you are experiencing low back pain, make an appointment with Dr. Sciullo at 412-343-3006 to see if chiropractic can help.
Dr. Tim Sciullo 