Back Pain Treatment Without Opioids

Back pain, whether acute or chronic, may be terrible and, unfortunately, it is a common experience for many people. Better pain treatment can lessen discomfort and aid in improving function so that individuals are able to enjoy doing what is most important to them. Millions of prescriptions are made each year for painkillers, many of which are potent opioids that can have negative side effects and encourage addiction.

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all non-opioid painkillers that are available via prescription. Also, there are over-the-counter & massage and acupuncture. Moreover, there are high-tech methods that use radio waves and electrical signals.

Create a Pain Management Strategy With Your Doctor

Work with your doctor to create and adhere to a pain management plan now that you are aware of some of the possibilities that may assist with achieving your pain management objectives. Keeping the following in mind will help you create a pain management strategy:

• Be willing to try pain management without opioids
• Know your options and educate yourself.
• Have a discussion with your doctor about your alternatives; consult a specialist if necessary
• Discuss your back discomfort and the effectiveness of your treatment plan with your doctor on a frequent basis.
• Remember that pain relief can sometimes take time to develop

Solutions for Treating Lower Back Pain That Isn’t Opioids

The American College of Physicians advises a number of non-opioid medicines for low back pain. A few of these are:

• NSAIDS including diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen
• Acetaminophen
• Muscle relaxants such as baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, etc.
• Antidepressants such as duloxetine
• Tramadol

There are additionally medicines that occasionally beneficially treat back pain. With the help of your pharmacist, discuss your pain management choices and choose the appropriate prescription for you.

Some Opioid Alternatives

Several non-opioid pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin (Bayer), and steroids, are available over the counter or by prescription. Some people discover that these are the only medications they require. Non-drug therapy, which can be beneficial either alone or in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, provides relief for some people. They consist of:

Physical therapy

A physical therapist or doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation might be able to come up with an exercise regimen that will help you perform better and feel less discomfort. Deep-muscle massage, ultrasonography, and whirlpools might also be beneficial.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, in which exceedingly small needles are put at various locations in your skin to stop pain signals, may provide you with relief.

Surgery

Surgery is an option to fix physical abnormalities in your body that may be the cause of your discomfort when other therapies are ineffective.

Injections or nerve blocks

Injections with local anesthetics or other drugs can assist in the relief of your pain if you are experiencing a muscle spasm or nerve discomfort.

Are Non-Opioid Medicines Safe to Use?

Almost all medications come with some dangers, which are typically connected to their adverse effects. Non-opioid medicines do have certain negative effects, but since addiction, abuse, and overdose are less common than opioid medications, they are safer overall.

Tramadol is connected to opioids, so use it with caution if you have back discomfort, and speak to your pharmacist or a member of your health professionals if you experience any negative effects or need to take a higher dose.

The Bottom Line

There are numerous methods available to assist reduce your pain. Speak with your pharmacists about the various treatment and lifestyle choices that are available to you. The member of your health professionals that is most easily reachable is the pharmacist. They have received training to talk about alternatives to opiate painkillers, healthy lifestyles, and other ways to manage lower back pain.