By Dr. Eric Goodman, DC, and Dr. Douglas Bradberry, DC | ReliefNow Laser Charlotte | Charlotte, North Carolina
North Carolina has been significantly affected by the opioid epidemic. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reports elevated opioid-related overdose deaths across the state, including in Mecklenburg County. Many Charlotte residents living with chronic disc pain, neuropathy, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions have managed those conditions with opioids, often before non-pharmaceutical options were meaningfully offered. ReliefNow Laser Charlotte is one of the practices working to make drug-free pain care more available to people across the region.
Why Patients Are Looking Beyond Opioids
For many patients, opioids reduce the sensation of pain without addressing the condition behind it. That gap can contribute to long-term dependency and a lower quality of life. Non-drug treatments that target the source of pain are still underused in many care settings, even as national guidance has moved in their direction.
A widely cited 2016 review in The Lancet found that opioids were no more effective than non-opioid analgesics for chronic low back pain, and that they carried substantially higher risk. The American College of Physicians now recommends non-pharmacological approaches as first-line treatment for chronic low back pain, listing options such as exercise, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, and low-level laser therapy.
How Laser Therapy and Acupuncture Fit Into Pain Care
Class IV laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is an FDA-cleared modality used in pain management and recovery from injury. It is one of the non-drug options the American College of Physicians includes among recommended first-line treatments for chronic low back pain. At ReliefNow Laser Charlotte, laser therapy is offered for conditions that include disc pain, joint pain, arthritis, and neuropathy.
Acupuncture appears on that same list of recommended approaches. Dr. Eric Goodman brings post-graduate training in acupuncture to the practice, alongside work in rehabilitation and nutrition.
The Approach at ReliefNow Laser Charlotte
Dr. Eric Goodman and Dr. Douglas Bradberry center their pain care on the source of a patient’s symptoms rather than the symptoms alone. Dr. Goodman, a North Carolina native, combines training in neurokinetic therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, rehabilitation, and nutrition. Dr. Bradberry comes from a background in sports medicine and human nutrition and holds the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician credential. Their practice pairs laser therapy with personalized care for patients who want to reduce or move away from opioid use.
To learn more, visit ReliefNow Laser Charlotte or watch its patient education videos. The practice is located at 4601 Park Rd, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28209, and can be reached at 704-527-7246.
About the Authors
Dr. Eric Goodman, DC, studied at UNC-Charlotte and Palmer College of Chiropractic, with post-graduate work in neurokinetic therapy, acupuncture, laser therapy, rehabilitation, and nutrition. He is active in the community through Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and the Rotary Club.
Dr. Douglas Bradberry, DC, studied at the University of Florida and graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic. He holds the Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) credential and brings a background in sports medicine. Both are providers in the national ReliefNow network, founded by Dr. Robert Hanopole, DC.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any treatment program.
