New Study Shows Chiropractic Care May Reduce the Risk of Opioid Use
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care — and unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common reasons opioids are prescribed. A new study is adding to growing evidence that there may be a safer, drug-free option to consider first.
Researchers from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health examined outcomes for adults with newly diagnosed low back pain who chose different first treatments. The results were striking.
What the Study Found
The study followed patients for two years and compared those who received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) as their first treatment with those who were initially treated with ibuprofen.
Patients who started with chiropractic care experienced:
An 80% lower risk of developing opioid use disorder
77% lower likelihood of long-term opioid use
31% lower chance of being prescribed opioids at all
In simple terms: people who chose chiropractic care first were far less likely to rely on opioids later.
Why First-Line Care Matters
Low back pain often improves with conservative, movement-based care. Clinical guidelines already recommend non-drug, non-surgical treatments — like chiropractic care — as a first step before medications.
This study supports that approach, suggesting that how back pain is treated early on can influence long-term outcomes, including medication use.
What This Means for Patients
Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint motion, reducing nerve irritation, and supporting the body’s natural healing process — without the risks associated with pain medications.
For many people, especially those with new or uncomplicated low back pain, starting with chiropractic care may:
Help relieve pain effectively
Improve mobility and function
Reduce reliance on medications
Lower the risk of opioid exposure altogether
A Thoughtful, Drug-Free Approach to Back Pain
The researchers noted that more studies are needed to fully understand why this association exists, but the takeaway is clear: choosing conservative care first matters.
At County Line Chiropractic, we believe in addressing the root cause of pain — not just masking symptoms. This study reinforces what many patients already experience: when your body moves better, it often hurts less.
If you’re dealing with back pain and want to explore a natural, evidence-based approach, chiropractic care may be a smart first step.