Can Chiropractic Care Help Keep You Off Opioids if you experience low back pain and /or Sciatica?
- Julian Simpson
- 13 minutes ago
- 12 min read
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare. In fact, according to the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study, it’s the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. That means it’s not just a minor ache—it’s a problem that affects millions of people’s quality of life.
Now here’s where things get interesting (and a little concerning). In the United States, one in five people with new-onset low back pain has been prescribed opioids. These strong painkillers might sound like a quick fix, but they come with some heavy risks—addiction, constipation, overdose, and only limited evidence that they even work better than simple things like exercise or heat therapy.
So where does chiropractic fit into all this?
The Chiropractic Difference
Several studies have shown that people who visit a chiropractor and receive spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) are less likely to be prescribed opioids. And here’s why:
Natural Pain Relief That WorksAdjustments and hands-on care from a chiropractor can reduce pain and improve function enough that patients don’t feel the need to turn to medication. Add in the lifestyle and movement advice chiropractors often provide, and you’ve got a more complete plan for managing back pain naturally.
Different Care PathwaysChiropractors don’t prescribe opioids. That means if your first stop for back pain is the chiropractor’s office, you’re much more likely to start with safe, non-drug options like adjustments, exercise, or soft tissue work—rather than being handed a prescription.
Sciatica & Opioid Risk
A recent study even found that patients receiving chiropractic care for sciatica were less likely to experience opioid-related complications (like overdose or poisoning) compared to those who received usual medical care.
That’s a big win for both health and safety.
What the Guidelines Say
Current clinical guidelines agree: spinal manipulative therapy should be considered a first-line, non-drug treatment for low back pain—with or without sciatica. It’s safe, effective, and helps keep patients away from the risks of unnecessary opioid use.
Takeaway
If you or someone you know struggles with back pain or sciatica, chiropractic care isn’t just about feeling better—it may also help you avoid the dangers of opioids.
Your spine deserves care that heals, not just masks symptoms. Book your next visit today and let’s get you moving better, naturally.
Low Back Pain Chiropractor
Q: How does chiropractic care help with lower back pain?Chiropractors address spinal misalignments, muscle tension, and posture issues that often cause or worsen back pain.
Q: Is chiropractic safe for chronic back pain?Yes, chiropractic care is a safe and natural approach for managing both acute and chronic back pain without relying solely on medication.
Q: How many sessions will I need for back pain?It depends on the severity. Some patients feel relief in just a few visits, while others need ongoing care.
Q: Can chiropractic prevent future back pain?Yes, with posture correction, strengthening exercises, and regular spinal care, chiropractic can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
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Reference
Trager RJ, Cupler ZA, Gliedt JA, Fischer RA, Srinivasan R, Thorfinnson H. Association Between Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain With or Without Sciatica and Opioid Use Disorder: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Health Sci Rep. 2025 Sep 19;8(9):e71267. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.71267. PMID: 40978305; PMCID: PMC12447351.
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