Prescription Drug Related Deaths Triple; Chiropractic Care May Be the Answer

A report compiled from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data supports the ongoing claims of today's chiropractors. The report shows that over the last seven years, this country has seen an increase in the number of prescription drug related deaths as well as severe adverse reactions, according to CPR Communications.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a non-profit organized working toward increasing awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care, states that this report calls for more "drug-less" treatments. Doctors today should embrace the holistic care provided by chiropractors and offer the choice to their patients prior to turning to prescription drugs.

According to CPR Communications, the information for the FDA shows the number of adverse drug reactions has doubled in recent years. As stated in the report, in 1998 there were 34,966 events resulting from undesirable reactions to prescription drugs; in 2005 (the latest date with available information) there were 89,842. This increase is almost equal to three times the original. The data concerning prescription drug related deaths is worse. In 1998 there were 5,519 deaths; in 2005 that number nearly tripled to 15,107.

America's addiction to prescription drugs is proven by looking at this data. Conservative treatments, such as chiropractic care, are thrown to the wayside while physicians today write prescription after prescription. With the number of new drugs being approved each year and the pressures from the pharmaceutical manufactures, it is not a surprise that doctors are writing more prescriptions than in the past.

Patients should avoid over-the-counter drugs whenever it is possible, according to CPR Communications. Chiropractic care can address many health problems, not just those related to spine or joint pain. The main goal of their treatment is to avoid the necessity of medications. "This holistic approach to care benefits the patient and avoids the clear risks associated with taking unnecessary medications," says Gerard W. Clum, D.C. spokesperson for the Foundation.