Specialists in Neuromuscular Therapy for Soft-Tissue Injuries and Chronic Pain
Dr. Rand McClain’s Clinic: Reducing the Need for Pain Medications Through Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy
Your Partner in Treating Soft-Tissue Injuries, Chronic Pain, and Auto Accident Trauma
At Dr. Rand McClain’s clinic, we are dedicated to addressing the root causes of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction through neuromuscular therapy, a proven method that offers effective, lasting relief without the risks associated with pharmaceuticals.
As a personal injury attorney, you understand the importance of not only helping your clients recover from their injuries but also providing them with care that avoids the complications and dependency associated with pain medication. Dr. McClain’s clinic provides a non-invasive alternative that can improve patient outcomes and reduce reliance on drugs like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, benzodiazepines, and gabapentin, all while providing comprehensive documentation to support your client’s case.
In this newsletter, we examine how our neuromuscular therapy compares to commonly prescribed drugs for treating spine pain, soft-tissue injuries, and auto accident-related injuries, offering a safer and more effective path to recovery.
- 1. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has long been a first-line treatment for pain relief, particularly for low-back pain, due to its over-the-counter availability. However, evidence is mounting that acetaminophen is not as effective as once thought for treating musculoskeletal pain.
In 2017, the European Journal of Pain published a comprehensive review of clinical practice guidelines, noting that acetaminophen is often recommended as a first-line treatment for low back pain. However, a closer look at recent studies reveals that there is little direct evidence supporting this recommendation. A pivotal study in The Lancet (2014) found that acetaminophen did not improve pain intensity, disability, or quality of life for patients with acute low-back pain over a three-month follow-up period. Furthermore, a British Medical Journal study in 2015 concluded that acetaminophen provided minimal short-term benefits for spinal pain and had no significant impact on overall recovery.
At Dr. McClain’s clinic, we recognize that managing pain effectively requires more than temporary relief. Through our specialized neuromuscular therapy, we treat the underlying mechanical dysfunction causing the pain. This not only relieves symptoms but also promotes healing without the risks associated with acetaminophen, which can include liver damage with prolonged use.
- 2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin are commonly prescribed for spinal pain. While they are effective at reducing inflammation and pain in the short term, NSAIDs come with significant risks, particularly when used over long periods.
A 2003 study published in Spine compared the effectiveness of chiropractic care (which includes neuromuscular therapy) with acupuncture and NSAIDs for treating chronic spinal pain. The study concluded that chiropractic care yielded the best overall results in reducing pain and improving functionality, while NSAIDs provided only temporary relief and caused gastrointestinal side effects in a significant portion of patients. Moreover, a follow-up study in 2005 demonstrated that neuromuscular therapy provided broad-based, long-term benefits, far surpassing the results of NSAID use.
Our clinic offers neuromuscular therapy, laser therapy and more, as a safer alternative to NSAIDs. Rather than simply masking the pain, we address the mechanical issues at the root of the pain, ensuring long-term relief without the dangers of prolonged NSAID use, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney damage, and cardiovascular risks.
- 3. Opioids
Opioid use has become a public health crisis in the United States, with millions of individuals suffering from opioid dependence and overdose. Historically, opioids were commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, including spinal pain and injuries caused by auto accidents. However, a growing body of research shows that opioids are not an effective long-term solution for managing pain and are associated with serious risks, including addiction, overdose, and worsened pain over time.
A 2017 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that over 91.8 million adults in the U.S. had used prescription opioids, with 12.5% of them misusing these medications. A 2018 randomized controlled trial published in JAMA found that opioids were no more effective than non-opioid treatments for chronic back pain or osteoarthritis. In fact, opioids were associated with worse functional outcomes and a higher risk of addiction.
At Dr. McClain’s clinic, we offer a non-pharmacological alternative to opioids through neuromuscular therapy and laser therapy. By addressing the biomechanical dysfunction that causes pain, we provide long-lasting relief without the risk of dependence. Our therapists work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that target their specific injuries, helping them recover naturally without relying on opioids.
- 4. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are often prescribed to patients with radicular low back pain (pain that radiates from the spine to the legs), typically as a muscle relaxant. However, these drugs carry significant risks, including addiction, sedation, and cognitive impairment. Despite these risks, benzodiazepines are still widely prescribed for back pain, even though their effectiveness for this condition is questionable.
A 2022 study in BMJ Open found that patients who received neuromuscular therapy for radicular low back pain had significantly lower odds of receiving a benzodiazepine prescription compared to those who received standard medical care. The study highlights the effectiveness of spinal manipulation and neuromuscular therapy in treating the underlying causes of radicular low back pain, reducing the need for benzodiazepines.
At Dr. McClain’s clinic, our neuromuscular therapy offers a safe, drug-free approach to treating radicular low back pain, providing relief without the risks of benzodiazepine use. We work to restore proper function to the spine and surrounding muscles, ensuring that patients recover without the need for sedatives or addictive medications.
- 5. Gabapentin
Gabapentin is frequently prescribed for patients with neuropathic pain, including radicular low back pain. However, numerous studies have shown that gabapentin is ineffective for this condition and poses risks such as dizziness, fatigue, and even dependence.
A 2023 study in BMJ Open found that patients who received neuromuscular therapy had a 47% lower chance of receiving a gabapentin prescription compared to those receiving standard care. The study reinforced the importance of non-drug therapies like neuromuscular therapy in reducing the need for medications that come with such risks.
At Dr. McClain’s clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to neuropathic and radicular pain, using neuromuscular techniques to address the underlying mechanical dysfunction causing the pain. This approach minimizes the need for medications like gabapentin and promotes natural recovery.
Why Refer Clients to Dr. McClain’s Clinic?
As a personal injury attorney, it is essential to ensure that your clients receive the highest standard of care following an injury. Referring clients to Dr. McClain’s clinic provides them with access to advanced neuromuscular therapy, which offers effective pain relief without the risks associated with pharmaceuticals.
At Dr. McClain’s clinic, we offer:
- Expert care for spine and soft-tissue injuries, with a focus on treating pain through mechanical, non-invasive therapy.
- Comprehensive documentation of injury assessments, treatment plans, and progress reports to support your client’s legal case.
- A team of highly trained neuromuscular therapists who specialize in addressing soft-tissue injuries, including whiplash, back pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- A drug-free approach to pain management, reducing the risks of addiction, overdose, and long-term medication dependency.
We understand the importance of providing clients with care that not only helps them recover but also supports their legal claims. Our clinic works closely with personal injury attorneys to ensure that each case is well-documented, and that clients receive the best possible care for their injuries.
A Trusted Partner for Personal Injury Attorneys
At Dr. Rand McClain’s clinic, we specialize in treating auto accident injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and chronic pain through neuromuscular therapy. Our approach addresses the root mechanical dysfunction causing pain, offering a safer, more effective alternative to pain medications like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, benzodiazepines, and gabapentin.
Our clinic provides lasting relief without the risks associated with pharmaceuticals, making us the ideal referral for personal injury attorneys seeking the best care for their clients. By partnering with Dr. McClain’s clinic, you can ensure that your clients receive top-quality care that supports both their recovery and their legal claims.
This newsletter is intended to keep you updated on relevant academic concepts related to whiplash and auto accident injuries. By sharing this information, we hope to enhance your understanding of the latest advancements in injury treatment and provide you with the tools necessary to support your clients effectively.
At Dr. McClain’s clinic, our expert physicians, nurse practitioners, and neuromuscular therapists are well-versed and trained in these concepts and can be a valuable asset in personal injury cases.
By referring your clients to our clinic, you ensure they receive the highest standard of care while strengthening the medical foundation of your legal cases.
We would be thrilled to discuss how to partner together to help our patients and your clients, and to assist people that have been injured in accidents.
If you’d like to discuss how we can work together to better serve your personal injury clients, call us today at 310-951-3531.
