The cost of the opioid crisis is staggering and increasing at alarming rates. From 2007-2014, opioid dependence rose by 3,203% among patients with private insurance. (1) Expenses to the patient and the insurers are equally impressive. From 2011-2015, opioid abuse or dependence charges rose from $72 million to $722 million for privately insured patients. (2) The US prescribes 50 times more opioids than the rest of the world combined. (3)
Opioid prescriptions typically have one common cause—acute pain. However, most acute pain is due to musculoskeletal damage, sometimes referred to as mechanical neck and back pain. Mechanical pain does not typically respond well to a chemical solution (opioids). This ineffective treatment leads to diminished outcomes and chronic use. Opioid dependence, tolerance, and addiction often commence following an acute problem such as dental procedure, surgery or injury. In fact, more than 25% of chronic use follows post-operative or injury-related pain. (4)
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