4210 Chiropractic, Not Opioids: Laying Groundwork Locally
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Dynamic Chiropractic – July 1, 2019, Vol. 37, Issue 07

Chiropractic, Not Opioids: Laying Groundwork Locally

By Editorial Staff

The chiropractic profession appreciates its ability to provide a drug-free solution to the opioid crisis, but getting that message out to the masses – particularly the public that unwittingly takes them and policy-makers who continue to allow MDs to overprescribe them – is another thing.

As is often the case with national change, local efforts may lay the groundwork. One example: "An Opioid Exit Strategy: How Chiropractors May Hold the Key," which aired on CBS' Harrisburg, Pa., affiliate last week. Robb Hanrahan prefaces his CBS 21 "special assignment" by referencing the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), stating: "This public health emergency is being addressed by government at many levels, but the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress thinks it can change that, with its "conservative care first" approach."

The segment highlights Dr. Scott Colman, a Middletown, Pa., DC who offers this great soundbite, among others: "If someone has a pebble in their shoe, you can take a lot meds to cover the pain, but we're more interested in what we can do to remove the pebble from the shoe."

tv programs - Copyright – Stock Photo / Register Mark The segment also includes Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association (PCA) President, Dr. Allison Benedetto, who states: "We are asking state and federal governments within their authority to mandate that patients with these common muscular-skeletal pains that they should seek treatment first from a conservative care provider such as a doctor of chiropractic."

Finally, Mr. Hanrahan emphasizes that the tide toward conservative care and away from opioids is indeed turning, and reiterates Dr. Colman's pebble metaphor in praising chiropractic:

"The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress wants to bring their alternative to opioids to the forefront of the addiction crisis. Laws have already been changed in several states to provide equal insurance reimbursement for all providers offering 'conservative care' treatment. Getting the pebble out of the shoe is a great metaphor for how chiropractic care starts with a deeper approach to treating pain."

The F4CP encourages you to watch this segment and share it to your practice website and social media platforms.


Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email .


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