Brookfield Doctor: A Med-Free Approach to Back Pain

BROOKFIELD, WI — As prescriptions for opioid-based pain medications skyrocket across Wisconsin, a Brookfield-based chiropractor is educating back patients on a med-free approach to patients.

Taylor Poehls of Brookfield is joining chiropractors nationwide during National
Chiropractic Health Month in October to share back injury prevention and strengthening tips as well as information on the value of a drug-free approach to low-back pain treatment.

"Back pain remains one of the most disabling conditions worldwide, and is a common condition for which doctors prescribe pain medications, such as opioids." Poehls said. “We want people to know that there are other approaches to back pain treatment, such as chiropractic care, that do not involve drugs. There are also simple strategies and exercises you can learn to help keep your spine
healthy and pain-free."

Statistics show that every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in the ER for misusing prescription opioid pain medications, and deaths involving the drugs have quadrupled since 1999. Back pain is one of the most common conditions for which opioids are prescribed.

In the wake of the opioid epidemic, many respected health care organizations are recognizing the value of a conservative, non-drug approach to pain. Low-back pain treatment guidelines updated this year by the American College of Physicians now encourage the use of conservative therapies, such as spinal manipulation, for low-back pain before the use of drug therapies and surgery.

Chiropractors are experts in performing spinal manipulation and are trained to offer ergonomic and lifestyle advice to help patients strengthen their spines, enhance overall health and prevent back pain.

To learn more about NCHM and back pain, visit www.acatoday.org/NCHM.

Poehls has been in private practice in the Brookfield area for more than 8 years. Visit www.chiropracticco.com or email Poehls drpoehls@chiropracticco.com for more information.

Image via Taylor Poehls, used with permission