Equipping Canada for Better Response to the Opioid Crisis: A Closer Look at Manual Therapy

In a recent article by Chiropractic Economics, the spotlight was shone on Prof. Sidney Rubinstein, a globally recognized scholar and researcher in the field of manual therapy. This integral field’s developments have significant implications for Canadian civic and community leaders grappling vigorously with the country’s ongoing opioid crisis. But how does manual therapy factor into the comprehensive strategies devised to tackle this public health issue?

Taking the Opioid Crisis Head-On: Canada’s Unyielding Endeavors

The numbers representing the Canadian opioid crisis are alarming to say the least. Opioids have been linked to over 21,000 deaths nationwide between January 2016 and June 2020. Crime rates have accelerated, posing tremendous challenges for public safety and social cohesion. A Nation is begging for solutions, and manual therapy, as Prof. Rubinstein suggests, could be part of the answer.

Manual Therapy as an Alternative to Opioid Prescription

Manual therapy, exploring techniques like spinal manipulation, massage, and physical therapy, offers a non-pharmacological solution to many pain conditions. By reducing the reliance on opioids for managing pain, manual therapy can play a crucial role in abating the opioid crisis.

Prof. Rubinstein’s research in manual therapy, amongst the most extensive on a global scale, uncovers insightful data that can equip stakeholders with the knowledge to make informed decisions and implement effective plans. His work is as relevant to the Canadian context as it is to The Netherlands, where he is based. Applied correctly it has potential to mitigate the rising number of opioid-related deaths, addiction cases, homelessness implications, and the accompanying rise in crime rates

Key Takeaways from Prof. Rubinstein’s Work: Manual Therapy’s Promising Potential

The highlights from Prof. Rubinstein’s research include:

• Recognition of the benefits of manual therapy treatments for some musculoskeletal conditions, thereby providing an alternative to opioid prescriptions not previously considered
• Highlighting of the imperative to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach to the opioid crisis, taking into consideration individual patient needs and circumstances
• Emphasized continual research and updates in the field of manual therapy to adapt and evolve in providing effective non-pharmaceutical treatments, including program such as the Canadian opioid abatement class action

Adopting Non-Pharmacological Approaches: Making the Shift

With increasing acknowledgment worldwide of the hazards associated with opioid consumption, non-pharmaceutical methods for pain management, such as manual therapy, are rising to prominence. This highlights the urgency to incorporate this alternate narrative into the narratives we are currently employing in addressing the opioid crisis in Canada.

Whether it’s integrating this treatment into the routine primary care plans, increasing the accessibility to such services, or equipping the healthcare professionals with the necessary training and resources, it’s imperative to include the non-pharmacological interventions in our fight against opioid abuse.

The Fight Continues: Incorporating Naloxone and Other Efforts

In parallel to manual therapy, is the widespread use of naloxone, a medication that can promptly reverse the effects of opioid overdose, saving countless lives of those affected. Implementing such complementary strategies can bolster our fight against the deepening crisis.

Conclusion: An Aligned Endeavor towards a Pain-Free Canada

A multidimensional problem like the opioid crisis requires a multifaceted response. Along with consistent research, the introduction of non-pharmacologic therapies like manual therapy, increased accessibility to services, and the use of naloxone, can present a promising future in managing pain and consequently, in tackling the opioid crisis. Canadian civic and community leaders need to move away from the conventional pharmacologically dominated narrative and foster an environment for comprehensive, informed, and dynamic strategies.

While we celebrate and applaud the milestones of researchers like Prof. Rubinstein, there remains much to be done. There is no rhyme, rhythm, or predictability to the opioid crisis, and it continues to mercilessly wreak havoc across Canadian communities. The task is arduous, the journey challenging, but our resolve to fight remains undeterred as we continue championing pain management and curbing opioid abuse.