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Opioid Pain Control Drugs like Opioids: Are They Effective for Back Pain?

Opioids are in the news. The Burlington and Hamilton opioid epidemic is a big worry. Opioids are prescribed for pain relief of all types of pain. Opioids for back pain relief are a common prescription. But today, non-drug alternatives are in demand. Non-drug alternative care like Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic care reduces the Burlington and Hamilton back pain these opioids have been prescribed for and often without bad side-effects.

DRUG USE BEFORE BACK SURGERY

Pharmacological treatment preferences – drugs – for easing chronic low back pain are the focus of much attention today. Researchers study these and other options as to what works best to assist Burlington and Hamilton back pain patients. The effect of drugs like oxycodone (an opioid drug), clobazam and imipramine on chronic low back pain are difficult to predict. One article proposed that patients who are more sensitive to hot and cold respond better to imipramine. (1) Another stated that electroacupuncture proved to be more cost effective than NSAIDs and suggested as an alternative for chronic low back pain treatment. (2) A third reported that most drugs - paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, and other (new) drugs - offered small to moderate and short lasting effects compared with placebo. And there were side-effects. (3) Spinal Care Clinic cares for many Burlington and Hamilton back pain sufferers seeking pain relief without drugs. And the Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic care is helpful for most.

DRUG USE AFTER BACK SURGERY

Burlington and Hamilton chronic low back pain guides some sufferers to lumbar spine fusion surgery. Patients who choose this option to get relief of with their back pain often take opioids prior to surgery hoping – even expecting – that they will not need opioids after the surgery. Reality is different. 77.1% of pre-operative opioid patients continued to use opioids long-term post-operatively: 13.8% of them took opioids off and off; 9.1% discontinued using them or used them for a short time after surgery. Of patients who hadn’t used opioids before surgery, 34.4% used a lower dose after surgery, and 44.8% consumed a higher long-term dose. 12.8% became long-term users of opioids. The researchers concluded that lumbar spine fusion rarely interrupted the long-term opioid use and actually increased the risk of taking them long-term. (4) Spinal Care Clinic offers Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic care both pre-operatively and post-operatively to relieve Burlington and Hamilton back pain and for some prevent Burlington and Hamilton back surgery.

OPTIONS TO DRUGS FOR BACK PAIN

What are the options for Burlington and Hamilton back pain patients if opioids are to be avoided? Guidelines have been developed for opioid alternatives. Cost, intervention availability, and patient preferences are considered. First and foremost education and reassurance that Burlington and Hamilton back pain relief is possible and advice to remain active is important. The Burlington and Hamilton low back pain sufferer can learn more about self-care options. For acute low back pain and neck pain patients without any concerning underlying issue, exercise, manual therapy, heat and NSAIDs are recommended. For chronic low back pain sufferers who do not present with serious underlying issues, exercise, yoga, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation, massage, manual therapy, rehab, NSAIDS, acetaminophen and antidepressants are suggested. Patients with radiculopathy (sciatic leg pain) can use exercise, spinal manipulation, or NSAIDS. Benzodiazepines, botulinum toxin injection, systemic corticosteroids, cervical collar, electrical muscle stimulation, diathermy, TENS and traction are not recommended due to research showing ineffectiveness. (5) Spinal Care Clinic offers Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic care including Cox Technic flexion distraction decompression treatment that is research-documented to be successful for Burlington and Hamilton back pain relief.

CONTACT Spinal Care Clinic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Roy Siegel on the Back Doctor’s Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he shares how Cox Technic reduces back pain for his performing arts patients without drugs so they can keep performing!

Schedule your Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic appointment with Spinal Care Clinic today. The opioid epidemic may be limited for Burlington and Hamilton back pain sufferers who choose Burlington and Hamilton chiropractic care at Spinal Care Clinic…and chiropractic may turn out to be the opioid-alternative news!

 
Pain control drugs like opioids aren’t always effective for Burlington and Hamilton back pain. Chiropractic is a beneficial alternative. 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."