Prescriptions for opioid painkillers have risen by 300 percent over the past 10 years and deaths from overdosing on these drugs now far surpass those from illicit street drugs. According to The New York Times.  Americans use the most opioids of any nation — twice the amount used by Canadians, who come in second place in terms of prescriptions. In Alabama, which has the highest opioid prescription rate in the U.S., there are 143 prescriptions for every 100 people!  My dad is a Pharmacist, I know the importance of having life saving drugs to help an individual. Unfortunately there are thousands of people in severe pain that turn to the medical profession for help.  There are powerful medications to help with the pain but have horrible side effects.  Now they are putting a huge limit on the number of opioids that are prescribed.  Now these individuals who have been taking powerful painkillers have nowhere to turn.  This ends up being the heroin route that a lot of people take.   Chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last should be the mantra of health.  These individuals can get relief with Chiropractic care.  I see it everyday in our office.  There are people suffering and are looking for a solution.  Pain is not caused by a lack of opioids in the body.  Headaches are not caused by a shortage of tylenol in the system.  Allergies are not caused by a deficiency in Allegra or Zyrtec.  We focus on getting to the cause of why the pain is there in the first place. Upper Cervical Chiropractic is the missing link to helping individuals with pain.