Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is the hot, health topic of the day, the opioid crisis still remains a national problem. I see pain mismanagement every day at a North Scottsdale AZ chiropractor. Patients that come into my office either try to manage their pain in North Scottsdale AZ on their own or are under the care of a pain management clinic.

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How's Your Pain Management Working For You in North Scottsdale AZ?

In many cases, it's not working. To approach pain management with only one method, I believe, it's not fair to the patient. Using a multidisciplinary approach - meaning more than just prescribing a drug or injection - and considering an alternative helps the patient to have more control in their care.

To quote Steven Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People…

"They want more than aspirin and Band-Aids. They want to solve the chronic underlying problems and focus on the principles that bring long-term results." 

This is not only true for personal change, but for taking charge of your body and health. Seeking and trying alternative, scientifically proven methods is not as difficult as you think. I'll explain the process.

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"Pills and injections are all I'm told will work…"

In some cases, yes, this may be correct. Patients in my office have been on medications like opioids, have had injections, and even radiofrequency ablation. Sometimes they come to me for a different condition, and when I offer an alternative to their current pain management, they're shocked that there even is an alternative available!

Once presented, and they follow through with my alternative prescription, they are not only pain-free but slow down otherwise degenerative conditions. Those booked for spinal surgery, are able to cancel the surgery and still live a pain-free - or reduced-pain life.

I've always said that many people take better care of their car than they do their own bodies. Consider the check-engine light going on. When you take your car in, the mechanic doesn't just shut off the engine light and send you home. They run diagnostics and find out what's actually wrong and make the necessary repairs. Just having an injection or taking medication is simply shutting the check-engine light off.

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Degenerative Conditions

Degenerative conditions are exactly that - degenerative. They worsen over time and may require surgery quicker than if the patient used an alternative method of pain relief. Moreover, paid attention to their condition instead of masking it. There is no magic wand, unfortunately. Patients have to take some responsibility for their care and recovery from such serious pain.

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How do I know what will work for me?

As a physician, I take a detailed history to uncover what has worked and what has not worked for you. Even though you have tried alternatives like chiropractic or acupuncture, you may not have gotten proper protocols for your condition.

As a patient, you have to be as detailed as possible with your description of what you have tried. Included what has worked and what has not worked and for how long. Gathering other doctors' notes, imaging reports and other testing results need to be brought to your consultation. This way, the best treatment program can be offered.

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If you or anyone you know, has been using pain management, I may be able to help with an alternative. Even just consulting to determine what additional therapies you may need may be an option. I offer complimentary consultations to my readers.