A December 2019 study based on Veterans Affairs health records found that non-drug therapies given to military service members with chronic pain may reduce the risk of long-term adverse outcomes, such as alcohol and drug abuse as well as self-induced injuries, including suicide attempts.¹

The researchers concluded that service members with chronic pain who received non-drug therapies while in the military had a “significantly lower” risk of new onset alcohol or drug disorder; poisoning with opioids and related narcotics, barbiturates, or sedatives; and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

As healthcare providers already know, chronic pain is often managed with prescription opioids, despite the recent news about the practice being a leading cause of the opioid epidemic. While in service, the soldiers received non-drug therapies including chiropractic care, exercise therapy, cold laser therapy, osteopathic spinal manipulation, heat treatment, traction, and lumbar supports -all services provided here at Chattanooga Integrated Medicine Center.

In the study, the researchers determined that soldiers who received non-drug therapies were at lower risk of being diagnosed with drug use disorders and self-inflicted injuries. Furthermore, those who received non-drug therapies were 35% less likely to injure themselves than those who didn’t receive such therapies while in the service.

At Chattanooga Integrated Medicine Center, our goal is to avoid prescription drugs and treat the core problem of pain through a wide variety of personally specialized treatments for not only military members, but everyone.

One of our patients writes:

I am a double amputee and suffer from nerve pain. Dr hall has helped me tremendously on my road to recovery.

Make an appointment today and start feeling pain relief tomorrow!

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¹Meerwijk, E. L. et al. (2019) Nonpharmacological Treatment of Army Service Members with Chronic Pain Is Associated with Fewer Adverse Outcomes After Transition to the Veterans Health Administration. Journal of General Internal Medicine. doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05450-4