Opioids

Opioids are semi-synthetic and synthetic drugs used to treat severe pain. They are related to opium and have an opium-like effect on the body but are not natural opiates like morphine. When people refer to pain-killing opioids, they often use the word interchangeably with “narcotics.” Commonly prescribed opioids are hydrocodone (Vicodin) and oxycodone (Oxycontin).

At The Bonati Institute, the medical professionals in our Pain Management Center can provide prescriptions for opioids for the short-term relief of your back or neck pain. They can also prescribe it for post-operative pain. At our rehabilitation center, however, we emphasize exercise and physical therapy over the use of opioid pain medications because of the potential for abuse.

Opioids for Acute or Chronic Back and Neck Pain

Opioids work best for acute pain and short-term use. There is a small risk of addiction, because after a few weeks, your body naturally builds up a tolerance to opioids. In order to continue to relieve your pain, you will have to keep taking higher doses of the medication. If your pain is severe and chronic, the best treatment for you might actually be surgery rather than the long-term use of drugs.

If you do use opioids for chronic pain, take them exactly as your doctor prescribes them. One of the most effective ways to treat chronic pain is to prevent it. If you have a constant stream of medication in your body, it will prevent the pain from happening. This is an easier way to control pain than trying to stop it once it begins.