Opioids vs. Therapy KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
According to the Centers for Disease Control, our nation is in the midst of a painkiller epidemic. The CDC found that the number of opioids prescribed by doctors has risen drastically, even though the amount of pain Americans are experiencing has not increased from previous decades. This overreliance on pain medication has contributed to higher rates of deadly opioid overdoses nationwide. Stricter guidelines have been put in place to curb overprescribing. Doctors are now discouraged from issuing prescription painkillers except for the most severe cases. But what other options are out there for those in need of relief? For many patients, physical therapy is a safe and effective alternative. So, when should you consider therapy over painkillers? First and foremost, if you do not wish to risk the side effects of opioids, explore your options in physical therapy. Painkillers are notoriously addictive and can cause depression as well as nasty withdrawal syndromes. If these factors outweigh the benefits of opioids in your mind, talk to your doctor about your therapy options.
If your pain is related to muscle, ligament, or even bone problems, the CDC finds physical therapy exercise to be a highly effective treatment. This is because these exercises are designed to do more than simply manage your pain. While opioids mask your discomfort, therapy often addresses the root cause. This is why it’s important to use therapy to confront chronic pain. Any discomfort that persists longer than 90 days is considered chronic, meaning it likely won’t go away on its own. Addressing chronic pain with opioids often entails sustained use of drugs, which increases the likelihood of developing a dependency. Therapeutic exercises can treat and manage many forms of chronic pain safely. If you or a loved one has been prescribed an opioid to address pain, talk to your doctor about physical therapy. Even when opioids are the best avenue, therapy exercises can aid in your recovery.
Sudoku
Pistachio Goji Berry Granola
Ingredients
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1 cup rolled oats
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¼ cup coconut flakes
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 tablespoon coconut oil
⅓ cup goji berries
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3 tablespoons maple syrup
• ⅓ cup pistachios, chopped Directions 1. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add oats in a thin layer and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add coconut oil and salt, then stir. Continue toasting for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Add maple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time; stir to coat. 3. Once oats are toasted, add pistachios, coconut flakes, and cinnamon. Cook slowly until pistachios and coconut flakes are toasted but not burned, about 5 minutes. 4. Remove from pan and stir in goji berries. 5. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or on top of your yogurt! Recipe inspired by LoveAndLemons.com.
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