It seems that every few months a news scandal erupts about a celebrity who developed an addiction to painkillers after being prescribed the drugs for back pain.  Yet, despite this media attention, use of opioid drugs for back pain continues to climb unabated.  And, it’s not just celebrities who are affected.

Many people who are prescribed an opioid don’t realize what exactly they are taking.  Opioids are powerful narcotics.  They are often morphine, or a derivative of the drug, marketed under a brand name.  Opioids were traditionally produced from the resin of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum).  This is the same substance used to make heroin.

These days, opioid medications are synthetically manufactured by pharmaceutical companies.  Common brand names of opioids prescribed for back pain include OxyContin, Percocet and Vicodin.

Opioids can be highly addictive, especially in patients with a history of drug or alcohol dependency, anxiety, depression or mental illness.

Painkillers, including opioids, merely mask pain.  They fail to address the underlying root cause.  In turn, the true source may proliferate.  Because it is “covered up” by painkillers, the really cause remains unchecked.  The end result is often the development of a more difficult to treat — and more painful condition — down the road.

If you would like to learn more about natural alternatives to prescription back pain medications, please call our office today.Dr. Barbara Smith
Chiropractor and Health Education
health@doctorbarb.com