Every year, 17,000 people in the U.S. are killed by opioids such as OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and its generic), a staple in the medicine cabinet, sends about 80,000 people to the emergency room and is the leading cause of liver failure. Opioids are useful for providing pain relief for those with diseases such as cancer or for people recovering from surgery. However, these drugs are not the best way to handle chronic pain, such as back problems.
There are Problems with Both Prescription and Over-the-Counter Painkillers
Prescriptions for opioids have increased 300% in the past ten years. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in at least 600 prescription and over-the-counter medications, causing some to accidentally overdose. The maximum per pill dose of prescription acetaminophen was lowered by the FDA, but they didn’t do the same for otc medications. Other common pain relievers also have bad side effects when taken for chronic pain relief.
The typical opioid user isn’t someone who gets prescriptions from multiple doctors or buys OxyContin on the street. Approximately 60% of those who overdosed from opioids had been prescribed them by only one doctor; one person out of every three was actually taking a low dose when they landed in the emergency room. When opioids are combined with alcohol or sleeping pills, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Opioids do not Work Well for Chronic Pain
Approximately 90% of chronic pain sufferers are prescribed opioids even though there is scant evidence that these drugs are helpful or safe. After only a few weeks, many people need to take higher doses; this cycle leads to dependency. High doses also are known for causing constipation and nausea, interfering with the immune system and leaving the user too fuzzy-headed to participate in many activities. Some people actually become more sensitive to pain as a result of the drugs.
There are Better Ways to Manage Chronic Pain
Pain killers only cover up the symptom, pain, for a little while, but do nothing to correct the cause of the pain. There are minimally invasive, non-operative treatments that will address the root problems and provide effective pain relief.
Longevity Joint Spine Pain offers a broad range of procedures for Pain Management in OKC, such as epidural steroid injections and radiofrequency ablasion. Each care plan is customized for the patient. Contact Dr. Darryl Robinson to learn more about how he could help you with Pain Management OKC. Visit the website longevityspine.com for more information.
