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

Opioids are in the news. The Manchester opioid epidemic is a great concern. Opioids are prescribed for pain relief of all types of pain. Opioids for back pain relief are common. But today, non-drug alternatives are in demand. Non-drug alternative care like Manchester chiropractic care relieves the Manchester back pain these opioids have been prescribed for and often without adverse side-effects.

DRUG USE BEFORE BACK SURGERY

Pharmacological treatment possibilities – drugs – for reducing chronic low back pain are of much interest today. Researchers investigate these and other alternatives as to what is best to assist Manchester 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 suggested 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) Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries cares for many Manchester back pain sufferers seeking pain relief without drugs. And the Manchester chiropractic care is helpful for most.

DRUG USE AFTER BACK SURGERY

Manchester chronic low back pain leads some sufferers to lumbar spine fusion surgery. Patients who go this route to deal with their back pain often take opioids prior to surgery hoping – even expecting – that they will not require 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 consumers of opioids. The researchers concluded that lumbar spine fusion rarely interrupted the long-term opioid use and actually intensified the risk of taking them long-term. (4) Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries offers Manchester chiropractic care both pre-operatively and post-operatively to manage Manchester back pain and for some prevent Manchester back surgery.

ALTERNATIVES TO DRUGS FOR BACK PAIN

What are the options for Manchester back pain patients if opioids are to be avoided? Guidelines have been developed for opioid alternatives. Cost, intervention availability, and patient preferences are considered. One of the first things to do is educate and reassure the patient that Manchester back pain relief is possible and to remain active. The Manchester low back pain sufferer can learn more about self-care options. For acute low back pain and neck pain patients without any serious 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 suggested because of research showing ineffectiveness. (5) Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries offers Manchester chiropractic care including Cox Technic flexion distraction decompression treatment that is research-documented to be effective for Manchester back pain relief.

CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries

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 continue performing!

Schedule your Manchester chiropractic appointment with Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries today. The opioid epidemic may be limited for Manchester back pain sufferers who come for Manchester chiropractic care at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries…and chiropractic may become the opioid-alternative news!

 
Pain control drugs like opioids aren’t always effective for Manchester back pain. Chiropractic is a beneficial alternative. 
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