Some reports blame opioid use for part of the decline in labor force participation among adult men. Estimates based on workers’ compensation data shed light on the relationship between opioid prescriptions and the return to work among people who suffer work-related low-back injuries, for which opioid use is common. Differences in opioid prescribing patterns across locations demonstrate how various use of these medications can impact how quickly workers return to work. When opioids are prescribed for longer-term treatment, workers have considerably longer durations of temporary disability following an injury.

When used in accordance with evidence-based guidelines, opioids can help health-care professionals provide compassionate care for injured workers. However, what began as an effort to improve pain relief has developed into an opioid crisis of epidemic proportions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2018). Aside from the direct adverse effects of opioid use and addiction, there may be important consequences for key economic outcomes. Indeed, some speculate that the rising use of opioids has contributed to the decline in U.S. labor force participation of men.

If opioids prescribed for longer-term treatment cause workers to have considerably longer durations of temporary disability following an injury, of course an opioid-free successful treatment of low-back pain would allow workers to return sooner. Chiropractic care for low-back pain fills the bill!

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.