Why You Should Consult a Chiropractor First for Pain Relief
When pain strikes, choosing a "conservative care first" approach can lead to better long-term outcomes and a faster return to daily life. Research shows that seeing a chiropractor first reduces the risk of opioid dependency and unnecessary surgeries while significantly lowering healthcare costs. Discover why leading medical organizations now recommend spinal manipulation as a primary treatment for musculoskeletal issues.
In today’s fast-paced world, musculoskeletal issues like low back pain and neck discomfort have become leading causes of disability. When pain strikes, the traditional route often leads straight to a bottle of painkillers or a surgical consultation. However, a growing body of evidence suggests a more effective starting point. Choosing a "conservative care first" approach—prioritizing non-invasive treatments before escalating to higher-risk options—can lead to better long-term outcomes and a faster return to your daily life.
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, Dr. Edward Owens has spent nearly 30 years helping patients in the Bellevue, WA area achieve lasting relief through this evidence-based model. By seeing a chiropractor first, you aren't just masking symptoms; you are addressing the mechanical root of the problem.
Evidence-Based Guidelines Support Conservative Care
The medical community has seen a significant shift in how pain is managed. In 2017, the American College of Physicians (ACP) updated its clinical guidelines to strongly recommend that patients seek non-pharmacological therapies, such as spinal manipulation, as the first-line treatment for acute and chronic low back pain before considering medication (Annals of Internal Medicine, 2017).
Similarly, research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) concluded that spinal manipulation effectively restores function and reduces pain for those suffering from acute back issues. JAMA even advises patients to exhaust conservative measures like chiropractic care before considering any surgical intervention (JAMA, 2017).
Reducing the Risk of Opioid Dependency
One of the most compelling reasons to choose a chiropractic-first pathway is safety. As the healthcare industry works to combat the opioid crisis, chiropractic care offers a mechanical solution to a mechanical problem. Data shows that patients who visit a chiropractor first for back pain have a 64% lower risk of receiving an opioid prescription compared to those who start their care with a traditional medical physician (Pain Medicine, 2019).
Dr. Owens utilizes manual manipulation alongside specialized instruments—such as the Impulse IQ and ArthroStim—to provide precise treatments that alleviate tension without the need for high-risk narcotics.
Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery and High Costs
For many, the fear of "going under the knife" is a major stressor. Choosing a chiropractor first can significantly reduce the likelihood of ending up in the operating room. A landmark study of injured workers in Washington State found that only 1.5% of those who consulted a chiropractor first for back injuries required surgery, compared to a staggering 42.7% of those who initially saw a surgeon (Spine, 2013).
Beyond the clinical benefits, this approach is more affordable. A 2024 study in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that the "chiropractic first" model reduces total healthcare costs by limiting the need for expensive downstream services like MRIs, emergency room visits, and invasive procedures.
Specialized Support for Athletes and Workers
Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, chiropractic care is a cornerstone of peak performance. It helps improve joint range of motion, accelerates recovery times, and enhances neuromuscular coordination (Journal of Chiropractic Medicine).
At Chiropractic of Bellevue, we commonly treat:
- Work and "slip and fall" injuries
- Auto and PIP cases
- Sports injuries and extremity complaints
- Chronic tension headaches
In addition to adjustments, Dr. Owens may incorporate myofascial release, Kinesio Taping, or Red Light (Laser) Therapy to stimulate blood flow and speed up the natural healing of injured tissues.
Why Choose Chiropractic of Bellevue?
Patients value Dr. Edward Owens for his thoroughness and friendly bedside manner. We understand that when you are in pain, you want relief immediately. That is why we offer same-day treatments for most first visits.
We also believe that your care should be on your terms:
- No long-term contracts: You decide how long you wish to benefit from care.
- Maintenance or acute care: Once your immediate pain is handled, you can choose a maintenance schedule or return only when new conditions arise.
- Convenient location: Located at 365 118th Ave SE Ste 110, Bellevue, WA 98005.
- Insurance friendly: We are in-network with Medicare, L, Premera, United Healthcare, Blue Cross, Regence, Kaiser First Choice, and Aetna.
Start Your Journey to Wellness
If you are struggling with pain, don't wait for your condition to escalate. Experience the benefits of a conservative-first approach with a practitioner who has three decades of experience.
To schedule an appointment at Chiropractic of Bellevue, call or text us today at (425) 802-5432, or reach out via email at ca4owens@gmail.com. Let us help you find quick pain relief and support your long-term wellness naturally.
Sources
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M16-2367
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2616395
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38619623/
https://chiropracticmanualtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-024-00532-3
https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/21/2/e204/5574381
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/01/relief-for-your-aching-back/index.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38299602/
https://www.acatoday.org/research/what-research-shows/
https://journals.lww.com/spinejournal/Abstract/2013/05150/Predictors_of_Lumbar_Spine_Surgery_after_a.11.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2943644/