Why Medications Aren’t the Long-Term Answer for Low Back Pain

Most of us have a bottle of pain relievers sitting in our medicine cabinet—just in case.

Whether it’s a headache, muscle tension, or back pain, we’re taught early on that a quick fix is just a pill away.

But when back pain becomes more than a once-in-a-while thing, those same pills start losing their magic. And worse… they come with risks that aren’t always talked about.

If you’re dealing with low back pain in St Charles, it’s time to think beyond temporary relief.

Let’s talk about why medications aren’t the answer—and what works better instead.

Bottom Line:

Yes, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or Aleve can take the edge off.

But that’s all they do—mask the symptoms. They don’t address what’s actually causing your back pain. And they’re not meant for long-term use.

Even more concerning?

Over 100,000 people are hospitalized every year from NSAID-related complications.

About 100 people die every day from opioid overdoses.

This is why major healthcare organizations now recommend movement-based care—like chiropractic—as a first-line approach for most types of back pain..

Why it Matters:

Chiropractic care takes a different approach.

Instead of focusing on numbing the pain, it aims to correct what’s causing it in the first place—naturally and holistically.

From the World Health Organization to Harvard Health and the Mayo Clinic, experts across the board agree: chiropractic care, exercise, and other movement-based strategies are safe and effective options for back pain relief.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain

Most Here’s what we see in our office every day in St Charles —and what the research confirms:

• People who receive chiropractic care often take fewer medications
• Spinal adjustments, guided exercises, and dynamic stretching help relieve pain naturally
• Ongoing care can help prevent future flare-ups, not just relieve current symptoms

And it’s not just about adjustments.

Therapies like heat, massage, low-level laser, acupuncture, yoga, and mindfulness can all support better movement and quality of life without relying on meds.

Next Steps:

Medications may give you a break from the pain, but they don’t fix the problem.

If you’re ready for real relief, it starts with a full evaluation to figure out what’s really going on. Once we know what’s causing your back pain, we’ll build a personalized care plan focused on healing—not hiding—your symptoms.

Our team in St Charles specializes in conservative care, and we’re here to help you get out of pain and stay there—naturally.

Let’s get you back to feeling good again.

Science Sources:

Receiving Usual Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Care Alone. Pain Med. 2022. Noninvasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain. American College of Physicians. 2017.