|
Weber
Family Chiropractic - Weekly Health Tip January
12, 2026 |
Dear patient and
friend,
In the journals I read
I often come across new developments in the science of chiropractic. However, people like you never become aware
of these important ideas since the media reports so little of it.
Therefore, I’ve taken
yet upon myself to keep you informed of crucial breakthroughs because I know
how important they can be to you, your family and friends. As your doctor, I believe it’s part of my
sacred trust. So, for your information
and consideration, here are these unique and revolutionary developments.
By James P. Meschino, DC, MS
Chronic pain, which is
reported to affect approximately 110 million Americans, is defined as three
consecutive months of a painful condition. The most common conditions
associated with chronic pain include arthritis / rheumatism; fibromyalgia;
migraine headache; and low back pain.
Evidence suggests that a
multidisciplinary approach yields the best results in chronic pain management,
whereas the method yielding the worst results for the patient, the health care
system and society entails reliance on prescription narcotic drugs.
Over the years medical
doctors have prescribed and recommended many analgesic drugs such as
acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and in more
severe cases, narcotic drugs, as primary and sometimes exclusive methods of
treatment in the management of chronic and acute muscle, joint and arthritic
conditions. In recent years, documented evidence has shown that the frequent
use of these medications for pain control has led to many serious unforeseen
complications.
Fortunately, in recent
years, research has shown the safe, effective pain-killing effects of
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). This herb has been shown to
reduce night pain and induce sleep in patients with night pain without
producing euphoria, addiction potential, physical dependency or serious side
effects of any kind.
Health Complications
From Standard Analgesic Drugs
Frequent use of
acetaminophen has been shown to be a leading cause of liver failure, and
acetaminophen ingestion is the leading cause of drug-induced liver failure,
accounting for 50 percent of all acute liver failure cases in the U.S., half of
which are unintentional (not suicide driven). Chronic intake of the recommended
dosage of acetaminophen (up to 4 grams per day, with no single dose to exceed 1
gm) is responsible for most cases of acetaminophen-induced liver failure.
Chronic use of acetaminophen has also been shown to damage the kidneys.
Heavy reliance on NSAIDs
for chronic pain control has also yielded devastating health consequences.
Recent studies confirm that in addition to gastrointestinal erosion, ulceration
and bleeding, chronic NSAID use also increases the risk of kidney damage, liver
damage, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and sudden cardiovascular
death. Aspirin has long been associated with gastrointestinal damage and
associated internal bleeding, but other NSAIDs are largely responsible for
increased risk of cardiovascular death. This appears to be related to the
promotion of thrombosis, associated with many NSAIDs from ibuprofen to
diclofenac (Voltaren ) to COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., Celebrex, Vioxx)
As such, doctors have
been instructed not to recommend any NSAIDs, other than aspirin, for patients
at high risk for heart disease. These recommendations also extend to precluding
the recommendation of all NSAIDs for patients with any compromised kidney function.
Low-dose aspirin, although recommended as a blood thinner for those who have
suffered a previous heart attack, is no longer recommended to prevent first
heart attack (primary prevention) due to the increasing reports of intestinal
bleeds and bleeding into the brain, seen in patients prescribed low-dose
aspirin (75-81 mg) for this purpose.
Narcotic Drugs – Rising
Concerns About Addiction
Since the early 1990s
governments have allowed doctors to prescribe narcotic drugs (e.g., oxycodone)
for patients presenting with a wide variety of musculoskeletal pain conditions.
Prior to this, narcotic drugs were only prescribed for patients with intractable
pain, primarily due to terminal cancers (e.g., morphine drip). As such,
physicians commonly use narcotics to reduce a patient's post-operative pain or
to reduce anxiety and induce anesthesia prior to an operation. These drugs are
also commonly prescribed in an attempt to enable individuals with chronic pain
to lead productive lives.
The problem is that many
people who are prescribed and taking opioids for a period of time develop a
physical dependence on the drug which can lead to abuse of the painkiller.
Studies now show that 2.5 million Americans, of the 4.7 million who begin to abuse
prescription drugs in any given year, use pain pills. Thus, more than 50
percent of all drug abuse cases involve analgesic drugs, and very often
narcotics.
Recognizing the
potential for opioid abuse, addiction, diversion and related mortality, many
jurisdictions have developed guidelines or implemented programs to promote more
judicious use of these drugs. Across the board, medical doctors are being
instructed to cut back on their prescription writing for narcotic drugs, and
systems are being put in place to track and integrate pharmacy dispensing of
these drugs using electronic recording and monitoring systems.
A Safe Herbal
Alternative
Recent studies have
shown that the medicinal ingredients in the herb Eschscholzia californica
(California poppy) block nighttime pain, allowing the patient to sleep through
the night without being awakened by musculoskeletal pain. The herb also helps
to induce sleep, enabling patients who are in pain to fall asleep and
experience a restful sleep through the night. This, in turn, allows more rapid
healing and improved response to other treatments.
The active ingredients
in Eschscholzia californica relieve pain without producing euphoria or
having addiction potential. Stimulation of opioid receptors blocks pain
sensation in the brain and blocks pain conduction in the spinal cord from
reaching higher brain centers. Activation of serotonin receptors is also known
to block the sensation of pain and induce sleep.
Unlike narcotic drugs
(e.g., Percocet, Oxydone) and benzodiazepine drugs (e.g., Valium, Ativan) often
used to help patients in pain sleep through the night, supplements containing Eschscholzia
californica do not cause addiction or destroy a person's motivation to
return to a productive life. The active constituents in this herb do not cause
euphoria or feeling of being "stoned," which allows individuals to
function normally and better comply with treatment recommendations, including
exercise.
Precautionary Notes
Patients should not take
this herb if they are taking an evening or nighttime dose of a narcotic drug
(e.g., Percodan, Oxycontin), anti-anxiety drug and/or a sleep-inducing drug
(e.g., Valium, Sonata, Ambien). Patients taking narcotic or benzodiazepine drugs
who wish to wean themselves off of these drugs by using Eschscholzia
californica as a replacement for chronic pain management, must do so under
the supervision and monitoring of their attending physician. Narcotic and
benzodiazepine drugs are highly addictive; thus, each case requires
individualized evaluation and attention. As always, talk to your doctor for
more information.
Dr. Scott Weber
Weber Family
Chiropractic
217.243.5438
P.S. Have you tried Bio-Freeze yet??? If not, ask us for a FREE sample on your next
visit.
P.S.S. Have you visited our web site lately. Check it out at jvillechiro.com. Please forward this message to anyone you
know who might be interested in health or chiropractic.
When I started
chiropractic care, my back hurt too bad not to try it. I was taking Excedrin and a pain patch. I was
skeptical that I could be helped. I have
never had an extensive treatment as this.
My back feels better and I say "Come to see Dr. Weber. Chiropractic
care feels great."
Denise A.
Virginia, IL.
I started coming to
the chiropractic for lower back pain. The pain got so bad I felt that I had to
do something. I was skeptical that chiropractic could help me. It has helped my
wife and me. I tell anyone who is sick, suffering or in pain try chiropractic.
Wayne R.
Greenfield,
IL.
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