Dangers of Taking Painkillers for Back Pain

Published on: January 7, 2017

Back pain can be difficult to live with and sufferers often seek any relief they can. Unfortunately, one of the options is using prescription painkillers to help dull the discomfort. While short-term use of painkillers for an injury is understandable, when the injury is to the back or spine, quick recovery is not always the case. Consider these dangers to taking pain medications for long-term control of back pain:

  • Painkillers are often addictive. Most prescription pain medications are from the opiate family of drugs which are very addictive. Vicodin and other common painkillers are considered to be as addictive as their cousin, heroin.
  • Debilitating side effects. Opiates can have side effects that can cause even more discomfort for those suffering from back pain. Extreme constipation is just one of the side effects that can make the back pain sufferer more miserable.
  • Other risks. Narcotic painkillers can lead to a high risk for depression, especially when take for several months or more. They also can reduce the body’s ability to create endorphins, which are the euphoric hormones that painkillers can only mimic.

If you are suffering from ongoing back pain, you need a way to relieve the pain, not mask it with drugs that can be detrimental to your health. A better approach is to seek the advice of an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in back and spine disorders. There are safe and effective treatment options available to relieve back pain that can give you long-term freedom from your back problem. Call to schedule a consultation with your local spine and back specialists to find out about other options beyond painkillers to give you back a higher quality of life.

Posted on behalf of:
Ortho Sport and Spine Physicians
5730 Glenridge Drive Northeast #230
Atlanta, GA 30328
(678) 752-7246

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