Opioid addiction is a monumental problem in the USA. One of epidemic proportions. I know what you may be thinking: who cares about some heroin junkies? They've made their choices, and they should deal with the consequences, right? Well, the situation is a bit more complex.
There is an major assumption that these individuals, addicted to opioids, got there due to poor life choices. Some of them may have, but that doesn't account for the near quadruple increase of opioid deaths in the USA since 1999.
Here's what does: according to the CDC, over the same time period, the volume of prescribed opioids also quadrupled. Over the same time period, US citizens don't report any difference in their pains levels.
Check out this article by Steven George to read a little more about how the healthcare system has contributed to the epidemic.
Pills, are not the answer. It's been tried, for nearly two decades. The healthcare system as a whole has to do a better job of helping people manage their pain.
The solution to many chronic, or persistent pain problems is likely multifactorial. Physical therapy is one component that can help. Even if it has failed to do so in the past.
Stay tuned to learn exactly how PT can help persistent pain problems, and why not all physical therapy is not created equal.
Thanks for reading,
Dr. Piotr