The History of Pain Management - From Ancient Remedies to Safe, Modern Chiropractic Care - from Dr Rollins, Chiropractor and Founder of Spinal Couture in South Plainfield, NJ

Pain is a universal human experience, as old as humanity itself. It’s something that binds us all, regardless of age, culture, or background. Whether caused by injury, illness, or the wear and tear of everyday life, pain has driven people for thousands of years to search for relief.

The pursuit of pain relief has been a central theme in medicine and healing throughout history, from the dawn of civilization to the modern era. In fact, the way we approach pain management today is deeply rooted in the long and complex history of human innovation, trial, and sometimes error.

Historically, pain was often seen as a mystery—an elusive, invisible force that people struggled to understand. In ancient cultures, pain was sometimes attributed to spiritual imbalances, divine punishment, or supernatural forces.

Early civilizations used rudimentary methods to treat pain, often turning to natural remedies found in plants, minerals, and other elements of the natural world. These treatments were often paired with spiritual practices, such as prayer, rituals, and incantations, in an effort to appease the gods or expel harmful spirits that were believed to cause suffering.

The ancient Egyptians, for instance, were among the earliest known cultures to document their use of pain-relieving remedies. As early as 1500 B.C., they used opium—a plant-derived substance that provided potent pain relief but carried dangerous addictive properties.

Egyptian healers combined this use of plant-based medicine with religious rituals, believing that pain could be soothed through both physical and spiritual intervention. Their approach set the stage for centuries of blending natural remedies with spiritual beliefs, influencing countless other cultures that followed.

Across the world, the Chinese developed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which included acupuncture—a method that is still widely used today. Acupuncture involved inserting thin needles into specific points along the body to balance the flow of Qi, or life energy. Ancient Chinese practitioners believed that blockages in this flow were responsible for illness and pain, and by releasing these blockages, they could restore balance and alleviate discomfort.

While the metaphysical basis of acupuncture was rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy, modern studies have validated its efficacy for certain types of pain, particularly chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Acupuncture remains an integral part of pain management in many cultures today.

In Greece, around the same time, physicians like Hippocrates, often referred to as the "Father of Medicine," began to explore more physical explanations for pain. He developed the theory of the four humors—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile—which he believed needed to be in balance to maintain health. If the humors were out of balance, the body would experience illness and pain.

Hippocrates advocated for using natural methods like diet, exercise, and massage to restore balance, representing a significant shift away from purely spiritual or mystical explanations for pain. These ideas heavily influenced Roman medicine as well, where treatments like herbal remedies, physical therapy, and even early forms of surgery were used to treat gladiators and soldiers.

As centuries passed, advancements in science and medicine led to new ways of understanding and managing pain. The development of anesthesia in the mid-1800s marked a major breakthrough in medical history, allowing for pain-free surgery for the first time. Morphine, derived from the opium poppy, became one of the most widely used pain relievers during the American Civil War, revolutionizing the treatment of pain, especially in combat situations. Morphine’s effectiveness, however, came with a dark side—addiction. This paved the way for the complex relationship between pharmaceutical drugs and pain management that we face today.

The rise of pharmaceutical interventions in the 20th century promised fast, effective relief for both acute and chronic pain. Opioid medications, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, became widely prescribed to treat pain conditions ranging from postoperative recovery to chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, as time passed, it became clear that these medications, while powerful, came with significant risks, including addiction, dependency, and overdose. The opioid crisis that has unfolded over the last few decades is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with relying too heavily on pharmaceuticals for pain relief.

Alongside the rise of pharmaceuticals, healthcare professionals began recognizing the importance of non-invasive, drug-free treatments for managing pain. Physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other holistic methods started gaining popularity as they focused on treating the root cause of pain rather than merely masking its symptoms. It was within this shift in pain management philosophy that chiropractic care began to gain recognition as a safe, effective, and scientifically backed alternative for pain relief—particularly for musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, and joint discomfort.

• 1500 B.C. - Ancient Egyptians: Use of plant-based remedies like opium and religious rituals for pain relief.

• 1000 B.C. - Traditional Chinese Medicine: Development of acupuncture to balance Qi (energy flow).

• 400 B.C. - Ancient Greeks: Hippocrates promoted the theory of four humors to treat pain using natural methods like massage, exercise, and diet.

• 100 A.D. - Romans: Continued Greek practices; introduced early physical therapy, herbal remedies, and massage therapy for injuries, especially in gladiators.

• 500 – 1500 A.D. (Middle Ages): Pain seen as divine punishment; treatment involved prayer, bloodletting, and herbal remedies.

• 1500 – 1600 A.D. (Renaissance): Surgeons and physicians began to explore anatomy, leading to better surgical techniques and pain management practices.

• 1600 – 1800 A.D. (Enlightenment): Continued use of herbal remedies like willow bark (precursor to aspirin).

• 1846 - Discovery of Anesthesia: Anesthesia allowed for pain-free surgeries, transforming medical procedures.

• Late 1800s - Use of Morphine: Introduction of morphine as a powerful pain reliever, particularly during wartime, but later addiction issues emerged.

• 1950s - Rise of Opioids: Widespread use of opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone for pain relief, eventually leading to the opioid crisis.

• Late 20th Century: Shift toward non-invasive, drug-free pain management methods like chiropractic care, physical therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

• 1895 - Founding of Chiropractic Care: D.D. Palmer performs the first chiropractic adjustment, establishing chiropractic care as a method for managing pain.

• 1950 – Present: Chiropractic care recognized as a safe, effective, and holistic alternative for managing musculoskeletal pain, including back and neck pain.

In today’s healthcare landscape, chiropractic care has emerged as one of the safest and most effective ways to manage pain, especially for those suffering from issues related to the spine, joints, and muscles. Unlike pharmaceutical treatments, which often come with risks like addiction or side effects, chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, making it an appealing choice for those seeking long-term, sustainable pain relief. By addressing the root causes of pain—whether that’s poor alignment, muscle tension, or joint dysfunction—chiropractors help patients find relief while promoting overall wellness and preventing future problems.

But how did we get here? How did chiropractic care rise from the shadows of skepticism and alternative medicine to become a trusted, mainstream method for pain management? To truly appreciate the role chiropractic care plays in today’s pain management landscape, we must explore its history and understand how it has shaped and evolved alongside other approaches to healing.

The Modern Era of Pain Management: Advances and Challenges

As we moved into the modern era, pain management began to shift in response to rapid advancements in medical science, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. This period saw the introduction of anesthesia in 1846, which revolutionized surgical procedures.

For the first time in human history, it was possible to perform surgery without the patient enduring excruciating pain. This marked a significant turning point, as medical professionals were now able to perform complex operations that would have been impossible before due to the intense pain involved.

At the same time, the use of morphine, derived from the opium poppy, became widespread, particularly during the American Civil War. Morphine was hailed as a miracle drug, offering soldiers and patients unprecedented relief from the agony of battlefield injuries and postoperative pain.

However, while morphine was highly effective, it soon became clear that it had addictive properties. As its use spread, so did the number of people who became dependent on the drug. This paradox—where a drug provides immense relief but also carries the risk of addiction—would become a recurring theme in the history of pain management.

The early 20th century brought the development of synthetic opioids, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, which were introduced as treatments for moderate to severe pain. These medications became highly popular, particularly in the 1950s and beyond, as doctors began prescribing them widely for both acute and chronic pain.

Patients who underwent surgery, suffered from musculoskeletal conditions, or lived with debilitating pain from accidents or injuries often found relief in these powerful drugs.

However, as the medical community embraced opioid medications, the darker side of these drugs became more apparent. Over time, addiction and dependency became rampant, leading to what we now know as the opioid crisis.

Patients who began using these drugs for legitimate pain relief often found themselves trapped in cycles of addiction, with devastating consequences. The crisis shed light on the need for safer, more sustainable ways to manage pain—ones that wouldn’t carry such severe risks of addiction and overdose.

The Rise of Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Pain Management

With the opioid epidemic reaching alarming levels, the healthcare industry began to pivot away from heavy reliance on pharmaceuticals and toward more non-invasive, drug-free pain management methods. This shift marked a return to the roots of pain management, where natural and holistic approaches played a significant role in healing. The focus moved from masking symptoms to addressing the underlying causes of pain.

Several drug-free treatments gained popularity during this period:

1. Physical Therapy (PT): With its emphasis on restoring mobility, strength, and function, physical therapy became a primary approach for managing musculoskeletal pain. PT aimed to address not only the symptoms but also the physical imbalances or injuries that were causing pain. Therapeutic exercises, stretches, and manual therapy helped patients recover from injuries and surgery without the need for long-term medication use.

   
   

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Psychological approaches to pain, like CBT, also gained recognition. By helping patients change the way they think about and respond to pain, CBT provided an effective way to reduce the emotional and mental toll of chronic pain. This method helped individuals manage their pain through stress reduction, coping strategies, and lifestyle changes.

   
   

3. Mind-Body Therapies: Practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness were incorporated into pain management plans, addressing the mental and emotional aspects of pain. These therapies not only reduced the physical experience of pain but also improved patients’ quality of life by fostering resilience, relaxation, and mental clarity.

   
   

Chiropractic Care: The Safest Path to Pain Management (That Is Backed By Science!)

Chiropractic care has emerged as one of the most trusted and scientifically supported approaches to managing pain, offering a holistic, non-invasive alternative to pharmaceutical treatments and surgeries.

This drug-free and natural method focuses on addressing the root cause of pain, particularly when it stems from misalignments in the spine, joint dysfunction, or muscular imbalances. Rather than simply masking the pain with medications, chiropractors work to restore proper alignment and function, allowing the body to heal itself—an idea deeply rooted in the founding philosophy of chiropractic care.

When D.D. Palmer first introduced chiropractic adjustments in 1895, his vision was to restore the body's natural ability to heal by correcting subluxations, or misalignments in the spine. Over the past century, chiropractic care has evolved from its early, spiritual beginnings to a science-backed approach focused on the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system.

Chiropractors today continue Palmer’s mission to restore balance in the body, using techniques that are not only safe but also proven to be highly effective.

Non-Invasive: No Surgery, No Lengthy Recovery

Unlike many conventional treatments for pain, chiropractic care does not involve surgery or invasive procedures. Historically, pain relief often meant invasive surgeries that required significant recovery time and carried risks such as infections, complications, or even failure of the procedure. This approach changed with the rise of non-invasive methods like chiropractic adjustments.

Chiropractic care offers a natural, hands-on solution for pain without the need for cutting into the body or relying on medications that only provide temporary relief. Chiropractors use manual adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine, helping the body to realign naturally. These adjustments are designed to restore joint mobility and relieve nerve pressure, which in turn helps reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Many patients experience improvements in their mobility and pain levels after just a few sessions, often with minimal side effects and no recovery period. Compared to traditional medical interventions like surgery, chiropractic care is a low-risk option, making it a preferred choice for those seeking long-term pain relief without the downtime or complications associated with invasive techniques.

Drug-Free: Avoiding the Risks of Opioid Addiction

The rise of opioid addiction, particularly in the 20th century, has highlighted the dangers of relying too heavily on pharmaceutical drugs to manage pain. For many years, opioids such as morphine and later oxycodone and hydrocodone were prescribed liberally to manage pain. While these drugs provided short-term relief, they came with a high risk of addiction, dependency, and overdose—consequences that have fueled the current opioid crisis. This widespread addiction problem has underscored the need for drug-free alternatives, leading many to turn to chiropractic care.

Chiropractic care offers a natural alternative to medication-based pain management. Instead of numbing the pain or masking the symptoms with drugs, chiropractors use manual techniques to address the root cause of pain. By focusing on spinal health and musculoskeletal function, chiropractic adjustments help reduce discomfort without the risk of addiction or the harmful side effects often associated with medications.

This drug-free approach is particularly important in a world where the dangers of opioid use are well-documented. Patients can experience significant pain relief from chiropractic care while avoiding the complications that come from long-term medication use. As a result, chiropractic care has become a cornerstone of non-pharmaceutical pain management strategies for patients seeking both safety and efficacy.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to Your Specific Needs

Chiropractic care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Just as D.D. Palmer believed in treating the individual patient’s unique condition, modern chiropractors develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each person’s specific pain condition, lifestyle, posture, and health goals. In the past, medical treatments for pain were often generalized, with patients receiving the same medications or procedures regardless of the root cause of their pain. Chiropractic care, however, has always stood apart by prioritizing individualized care.

During your first consultation, chiropractors perform a comprehensive assessment, taking into account your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and physical posture. This assessment helps create a holistic treatment plan that addresses not only the symptoms of pain but also its underlying cause. Whether you're experiencing neck pain, lower back pain, or joint discomfort, your treatment will be tailored specifically to you, targeting the root of your pain and helping prevent future issues.

By focusing on long-term solutions, chiropractors aim to improve your overall function and well-being, rather than simply offering temporary fixes. This individualized approach to pain management ensures that patients receive care that meets their unique needs and goals, resulting in more effective and lasting pain relief.

Holistic Health Benefits: Improving More Than Just Pain

One of the greatest advantages of chiropractic care is its focus on overall well-being. Chiropractic adjustments go beyond simply relieving pain—they help improve the body’s ability to function properly. By ensuring proper spinal alignment, chiropractors support the health of the nervous system, which plays a key role in regulating many bodily functions, including muscle control, immune responses, and digestion.

Chiropractic care also encourages a holistic approach to health. It recognizes that the spine is central to the body’s overall function. When the spine is misaligned, it can cause a cascade of issues, including muscle tension, reduced mobility, and pressure on the nervous system. By restoring alignment, chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve pressure, allowing the body to heal itself more effectively.

Patients who receive chiropractic care often report improvements not just in pain levels but also in their energy, sleep quality, and mental clarity. This focus on the whole person—not just isolated symptoms—has made chiropractic care a key part of integrative wellness plans, where physical, mental, and emotional health are considered interconnected.

Proven Results: Backed by Science

The effectiveness of chiropractic care is supported by numerous studies, which confirm that spinal adjustments provide measurable pain relief and improve function without the risks associated with surgery or long-term medication use. Research has shown that chiropractic care is particularly effective in treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint dysfunction—all conditions that can significantly impair quality of life.

For example, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments, combined with exercise, were more effective in relieving neck pain than medications. Another study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that patients who received chiropractic care for low back pain reported better long-term outcomes compared to those who received only medical care.

These results build on the history of chiropractic care as a legitimate, science-based practice. Since its early days, chiropractic has evolved from a faith-based method to a research-driven healthcare profession, with decades of studies and clinical trials supporting its effectiveness. D.D. Palmer’s initial belief in the body’s ability to heal itself has been validated by modern science, with today’s chiropractors leveraging evidence-based practices to provide safe, effective pain relief.

Chiropractic Care in Modern Pain Management

In today’s healthcare landscape, chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the most safe, non-invasive, and effective ways to manage both acute and chronic pain. As more patients and healthcare providers seek alternatives to medication and surgery, chiropractic care has become a cornerstone of comprehensive pain management plans.

Chiropractors collaborate with physical therapists, medical doctors, and other healthcare professionals to provide a well-rounded approach to pain management. By focusing on treating the root cause of pain—whether it’s spinal misalignment, muscle tension, or joint dysfunction—chiropractors help patients achieve long-term relief without the need for invasive procedures or risky medications.

This shift toward holistic, non-invasive treatments reflects a growing recognition of chiropractic care’s vital role in modern healthcare. Chiropractic care continues to build on the foundation laid by D.D. Palmer, with today’s practitioners combining evidence-based techniques with personalized care to provide effective solutions for pain relief and overall health improvement.

Ready to Take Control of Your Pain? Visit Dr. Rollins, Chiropractor in South Plainfield and Central Jersey!

If you’re in or around South Plainfield or Central Jersey and looking for a safe, effective way to manage your pain, I’d love the opportunity to help you. At my practice, we don’t just treat symptoms—we assess you as a whole person. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, discomfort from poor posture, or looking to optimize your overall well-being, we’ll work together to create a personalized plan that fits your unique needs.

I’ve built my practice to be more than just a place for adjustments. Think of it as your “Third Place”—a space where you can step away from the stresses of daily life, focus on yourself, and work toward healing and health. Here, I treat pain holistically, addressing not just the symptoms but the root causes. Whether you need a spinal adjustment, ergonomics advice for your workspace, or guidance on nutrition and exercise routines, I’m here to support you.

As a Chiropractor in Central Jersey, my goal is to ensure you leave each visit not only feeling better but also equipped with the knowledge to take control of your health. I believe in creating customized treatment plans, including postural assessments, guidance on ergonomics, and personalized exercises to help you maintain mobility and strength.

I also take a holistic approach to nutrition and lifestyle. Pain isn’t just about your muscles or joints—your body is a system, and I look at every piece of the puzzle to ensure you’re receiving the best care possible.

Book your appointment HERE to start your journey to pain relief and wellness. Let’s work together to help you feel better, move better, and live better!

Not Local? I’ve Got You Covered!

Even if you’re not in South Plainfield or Central Jersey, you can still take control of your pain and improve your well-being from anywhere. I’ve created resources that can help you manage your pain effectively no matter where you are. Start by downloading my Pain Management Checklist HERE—a comprehensive guide filled with practical tips and strategies to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your long-term health.

This checklist includes advice on:

• Simple daily stretches and exercises you can do to relieve tension

• Ergonomic adjustments to your workspace or home setup

• Nutrition tips to reduce inflammation and support your body’s healing

• Self-care habits to help manage stress and pain more effectively

  
  

Your Path to Pain-Free Living

Pain doesn’t have to control your life, and managing it shouldn’t involve invasive procedures or dangerous medications. As we’ve explored, chiropractic care is one of the safest, most effective ways to address pain at its source—without the risks of surgery or dependency on pharmaceuticals.

Whether you’re local to South Plainfield or Central Jersey, or connecting with me from afar, I’m here to help you take the next step toward a healthier, pain-free life. By focusing on holistic care, addressing spinal health, and making adjustments to your lifestyle, you can start feeling better today.

If you’re local, I’d love to see you at my practice and work with you personally to create a customized plan that fits your needs. And if you’re not nearby, my Pain Management Checklist and other online resources will guide you toward managing your pain from anywhere.

Let’s start this journey together—whether in-person or virtually—and help you get back to living a vibrant, pain-free life! Book your appointment now!