Can laser therapy and other conservative care options lower the risk of addiction and suicide among veterans with chronic pain? A study found that non-drug therapies were associated with fewer adverse outcomes, improving their quality of life. The effectiveness of non-drug therapies in reducing pain and associated adverse outcomes is explored, as well as their positive effects on substance use disorders and suicidal ideation. The chapter emphasizes the importance of addressing veteran suicide rates and reducing opioid use by considering non-pharmacological approaches like chiropractic, physical therapy, laser therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and acupuncture.
Non-drug therapies, including laser therapy, can significantly lower the risk of new addiction and suicide issues among veterans with chronic pain.
Non-pharmacological approaches to pain management such as chiropractic care and acupuncture can help reduce the risk of opioid dependency and substance abuse.
Deep dives
Non-drug therapies for chronic pain
This podcast episode discusses the effectiveness of non-drug therapies in treating chronic pain. While medications may seem like a convenient option, they often lead to a cycle of dependency and negative side effects. By examining data on drug versus non-drug therapies, the episode highlights the importance of patient education and informed decision-making. The podcast emphasizes the need for patients to explore non-pharmacological options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage, laser therapy, exercise therapy, and more. These non-invasive therapies have been shown to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes like substance abuse, self-inflicted injuries, and suicide ideation, particularly among service members and veterans.
The impact of non-drug therapies on veterans' mental health
The episode specifically focuses on service members and veterans who often experience chronic pain and are at a higher risk for adverse outcomes. With a significant percentage of active duty service members and veterans reporting chronic pain, the study analyzed the outcomes associated with both medication and non-medication therapies. The findings demonstrate that service members who received non-drug therapies had a reduced risk of alcohol and drug use disorders, opioid poisoning, suicide ideation, and self-inflicted injuries. This data highlights the potential of non-pharmacological approaches to not only manage pain but also address mental health challenges that veterans face, including suicide rates and substance abuse.
The importance of non-pharmacological options
In the context of the opioid crisis and the alarming rates of opioid overdoses, the podcast emphasizes the need to prioritize non-drug therapies for chronic pain. The episode mentions the misleading practices employed by pharmaceutical companies in promoting addictive opioid medications, further underscoring the urgency to explore alternative treatments. While acknowledging the potential role medications can play in pain management, the podcast encourages individuals dealing with chronic pain to consider non-pharmacological options like chiropractic care, physical therapy, laser therapy, and acupuncture. By utilizing non-drug therapies, patients can not only effectively manage pain but also reduce the risk of opioid dependency, substance abuse, and other associated problems.
About 50% of the veteran community suffers from chronic pain which puts them at higher risk of drug and alcohol abuse, opioid addiction and overdose, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. Can laser therapy and other conservative care options lower these? In a massive 2019 study of hundreds of thousands of veterans, when non-drug therapies, including laser therapy, were used to manage chronic pain for veterans and army service members, patients were found to be at much lower risk of new addiction and suicide issues, thus improving their quality of life.