ACA Joins Voices Coalition to Increase Access to Non-opioid Pain Treatments

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has joined forces with Voices for Non-Opioid Choices ("Voices"), a nonpartisan coalition of more than 20 organizations committed to preventing opioid addiction before it starts by increasing patient access to non-opioid therapies and approaches for managing acute pain.  Chiropractors' use of spinal manipulation as a non-drug approach to back pain treatment is especially relevant in combating the U.S. opioid epidemic.  Low back pain is one of the most common conditions for which prescription opioid pain medications are prescribed even though research shows the drugs have limited effectiveness in relieving back pain and carry higher risks.  The Voices coalition seeks to increase access to multiple non-opioid and non-drug approaches so that patients can manage their pain more safely and effectively--particularly pain after surgery.  According to Voices, pain after surgery is a common path to opioid abuse, misuse and addiction, with about 3 million Americans becoming "persistent" opioid users each year following a surgical procedure.  The Voices coalition includes both patient and provider organizations such as the American Nurses Association, the Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives, the American Medical Women’s Association and the National Safety Council.  "We are excited to join Voices and its efforts to increase access to non-opioid approaches to pain treatment.  Chiropractic services and other non-drug approaches are an important first line of defense against pain," said ACA President Robert C. Jones, DC.  "Beyond the risks of addiction and overdose, prescription opioid medications that numb pain may convince a patient that a musculoskeletal condition such as back pain is less severe than it is or that it has healed. This misunderstanding can lead to overexertion and a delay in the healing process or even permanent injury."

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States.  ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished chiropractors, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor.  We are leading our profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways -- by working hand in hand with other health care professionals, by lobbying for pro-chiropractic legislation and policies, by supporting meaningful research and by using that research to inform our treatment practices.  We also provide professional and educational opportunities for all our members and are committed to being a positive and unifying force for the practice of modern chiropractic.