Vancouver Orthotics believes living pain free without drugs to mask symptoms or unnecessary surgeries is possible  

This month I’d like to talk to you about choosing to avoid unnecessary surgeries and saying no to drugs that may mask symptoms instead of treating the source of your foot pain or your back pain.  

I’m Dr. Michael Horowitz, Your Friendly Neighbourhood Chiropractor in Vancouver and the owner of Vancouver Orthotic Clinics! This month’s blog is about a core value – a belief we hold as we approach each patient we help in our clinic.   

It is about saying NO to drugs and unnecessary surgeries. Instead we strive to treat the source of the problem and to not simply mask the symptom. 

In particular, I am referring to symptoms you experience related to your musculoskeletal system, your spine and your feet. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had patients ask me if they should get surgery to “fix” their back or foot problems. While pain can be challenging to treat, there are many non-surgical options that you can try. 

As for pain, it’s your body’s signal to you that something needs attention. While pain can be distressing and annoying, it doesn’t have to affect your quality of enjoyment of everyday life. Drugs, the frequent go to of modern medicine, may mask your pain but it won’t get at the functional problems that are causing your pain.  

At Vancouver Orthotics you can take advantage of alternate approaches. Don’t we all know somebody who regularly consumes NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories almost as if they were candy? But let’s not forget these types of medications can cause serious harm to your kidneys, liver and stomach lining.  

These tips may help connect you to your body’s signals for better pain control, and pain management:  

• Listen to your body. Pain is a red flag worth listening to. Best to use common sense and balance your activities. Please avoid the Weekend Warrior Syndrome where you may be abusing your body by overdoing it. 
• When you think about reaching for medication, remember you’re most often temporarily “numbing” the pain without addressing the source of the symptoms. 
• When considering surgery, please consider it as a last resort, not a first step or as a final solution. Always consult with your primary health care practitioner but be open to a second or even third pinion before making any big decisions. Consider more conservative approaches. You may be pleased and surprised how effective they can be. 

Frustrated by your aches and pains? Experiencing more foot pain or back pain days than you care to admit? Might be time to get the support you need.  

Help starts ground up at Vancouver Orthotic Clinics with a proper foot exam to support you with better alignment and shock absorption as just one example. 

Each patient’s care starts with a consultation, postural, foot and spine examination. Ultimately, this leads us to a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan. We use the newest 3D Foot & Gait Scan Technology and may often recommend a pair of Custom Orthotics Inserts to fit into your lifestyle and your favourite shoes!   

Connect with Vancouver Orthotic Clinics to get help with your pain and for more information, please visit our website. You can book an appointment online, email us with any questions you have or call us directly and we’ll be happy to assist you. 

We hope you will say NO to drugs and unnecessary surgeries, and choose to get help with a proper exam, so that you can better treat the source, not just numb the symptom.  

Have a great month. 

Keep moving with your BEST FOOT FORWARD and we’ll see you next time.  

Dr. Michael Horowitz,   

Owner of Vancouver Orthotic Clinics 

Find more information, videos and tips on our website. 

Email: info@vancouverorthotics.ca or Call us: 604-737-3668