The Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association (UVCA) realizes that there are many etiologies for acute and chronic pain. The UVCA also realizes that the “Opioid Crisis” that has plagued so many is a complex, multifaceted epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids. However, there is not a blanket solution to this epidemic because the factors that surround the prescription Opioid overuse and abuse are often complicated and complex in nature.

Many of these factors reach far beyond a mechanical, physical pain. However, for acute, subacute musculoskeletal and chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) syndromes, the UVCA supports a non-pharmacological or conservative approach as a first-line therapy towards resolution for the patient. In March 2016, The CDC’s Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain was released.  In the document, a recommendation for first-line non-pharmacological treatment was made. The CDC’s recommendation is that “multimodal and multidisciplinary therapies (e.g., therapies that combine exercise and related therapies with psychologically based approaches) can help reduce pain and improve function more effectively than single modalities.” The CDC is urging health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives.

It is the opinion of the UVCA that Chiropractors are an effective deliverer of this type of “multimodal and multidisciplinary” care. It is also the opinion of the UVCA that Chiropractors can effectively and efficiently manage a great percentage of these cases to reasonable resolution for the patient. With low-risk outcomes and an opportunity for the patient to live with less pain, the UVCA urges the public to strongly consider utilization of Chiropractic as a viable option for acute, subacute musculoskeletal, and chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) syndromes.

Updated 3/28/17

• The Opportunity of CBD – Reforming the Law
• A Natural Solution to The Opioid Crisis by Tim Bertelsman, DC, CCSP,FACO
• Opioid 3.0 eBook “As the Opioid Epidemic Rages On, Chiropractic Care is Recognized As A Safer Option for Pain”, in both web and ready-to-print format.
• Newsletter article for National Drug-Free Pain Awareness Month September
• Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month Materials
• “The Opioid Crisis in Virginia: Chiropractic’s Role in Addressing the Epidemic” by David E. Brown, DC, Executive Director, Virginia Dept. of Health Professions, May 2018
• Chiropractic Association:  http://www.tnchiro.com/videos/tennessee-chiropractic-association-chiropractic-a-safer-solution-to-the-opioid-epidemic/
•  “Medical Journal Recommends Spinal Manipulation as a Primary Treatment for Low Back Pain” [Click Here]
• Clinical Compass (CCGPP):
  • “Integration of Evidence Based Alternatives to Address the Opioid Crisis” – An editable PowerPoint Presentation for use by DCs to educate their patients.  [Part I] [Part II]
• The Ohio Governor’s Task Force: Acute Pain Infographic from Ohio State Chiropractic Association [Click Here]
• American Chiropractic Association:  “Chiropractic and the Opioid Epidemic: Rethinking Our Approach to Pain” at http://www.acatoday.org/Patients-Why-Choose-Chiropractic-Chiropractic-and-the-Opioid-Epidemic
•  Foundation for Chiropractic Progress:
  • Complete toolkit at https://www.f4cp.org/opioid-toolkits/
  •  White paper “Chiropractic: A Safer Strategy than Opioids” at http://www.f4cp.com/f4cp_opioid_white_paper.pdf
• White House panel discussion re: proper referral to and reimbursement of Integrative Medicine treatments as it relates to the Opioid Crisis featuring John Rosa, DC, FACC, FICC: www.c-span.org/video/?c4716885/dr-john-rosa
• Medal of Honor Recipient Discusses Overprescribing of Pills to Vets; Promotes Patriot Project, Chiropractic and Other Treatment Options: https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2018/03/01/lead-romesha-veterans-opioids-live.cnn
• Effect of Opioid vs Nonopioid Medications on Pain-Related Function in Patients With Chronic Back Pain or Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
• Research Review: Spinal Manipulation vs. NSAID (Diclofenac) for Acute Low Back Pain
• Study: Chiropractic Care May Lessen Drug Use: https://www.vnews.com/Study-Patients-with-Low-Back-Pain-Who-Receive-Chiropractic-Care-Use-Fewer-Opioids-18438955

• UVCA News Release RE Opioid Crisis 3-30-17
• Seniors’ Use of Opioids Underscores Need for Drug-Free Chiropractic Care, Advises Unified Virginia Chiropractic Association
• Association Between Utilization of Chiropractic Services for Treatment of Low-Back Pain and Use of Prescription Opioids
• Congress Passes Legislation Expanding Veteran Access to Nondrug Chiropractic Services
• West Virginia Passes “Opoid Reduction Act” Requiring Alternative Treatment Plans
• DC & Other Healthcare Providers Celebrate National Drug-Free Pain Management Awareness Month