The Salvation Army & HealthSource Chiropractic Partner to Help Fund Drug Rehabilitation Programs
Chronic back pain is a leading precursor to opioid prescriptions, and half of the opioid overdose deaths in the country are attributed to prescribed opioids. During National Spinal Health Month in October, HealthSource, one of the nation’s largest chiropractic franchises, will promote massage, progressive rehabilitation and chiropractic treatments as alternatives to prescription pain medications. And for all those who choose one of these drug-free solutions, the clinics will donate the cost of the treatments to support The Salvation Army’s drug addiction rehabilitation programs.
More than 250 HealthSource clinics across the country will reduce initial visit fees from $189 to just $20 from October 1 through November 30. The $20 fee will then be donated to The Salvation Army, an organization that is on the front line of the opioid crisis. In addition, the back treatment teams at participating clinics will provide Stress Breaks with free massages to employees at area businesses and Lunch & Learn pain management sessions at community centers.
The Salvation Army operates more than 139 rehabilitation centers that help individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction, including opioid or heroin addiction. The organization uses work therapy, group and individual counselling sessions, spiritual direction and life-skills development to help residents learn to abandon substance abuse. The Salvation Army has more no-fee residential treatment facilities than any other rehab program in America.
“Many Americans don’t realize how big of a role The Salvation Army plays in helping individuals and families who are dealing with drug and alcohol addiction,” said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. “We are pleased to partner with HealthSource to raise funds and awareness for the substantial need for opioid rehabilitation services in the cities we serve.”
One positive coming out of the opioid crisis is that medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists and others focused on back pain management are coming together to recommend non-pharmacologic, non-surgical options for patients. In April 2016, the American College of Physicians revised its guidelines for treating back pain, citing evidence that massage, acupuncture and spinal manipulation are effective alternatives to painkillers. This is an approach that Dr. Chris Tomshack has supported since he founded HealthSource in 2006.
“This is a huge problem in our country, and fortunately there are real solutions for those who are in pain,” Dr. Tomshack said. “We want everyone to know that we can get you out of pain, without the use of drugs. We’re so happy to be able to partner with The Salvation Army to contribute to this very sad epidemic.”
