Narcotics In Treatment Of Back Pain

Narcotics are available as prescription drugs to ease intense pain in back problems. The drugs work by attaching themselves to pain receptors in the central nervous system where pain messages received are blocked. They alter the perception and sensation of pain which causes relief to the problem.

Narcotics are classified in two groups known as opiates and opioids. Opiates are manufactured from poppy seeds. They are available as natural or semi-synthetic products, morphine and codeine fall under the group of opiates. Opioids are synthetic; they include drugs such as methadone and pethidine.

Narcotics are used to treat severe cases of chronic back pain accompanied by intense aches. They alleviate pain, cure unrelenting and severe pain, and bring relief to post-operative pain. They are usually prescribed along side non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are used to curb cases of inflammation.

They are used to cure back pain as a result of sudden disc herniation, trauma, accidents or falls. They are a short term solution for intense or severe pain where they start off the treatment by reducing pain. The patient is switched to other form of medication to continue with treatment. Narcotics are not suitable for long term treatment and are commonly used for a maximum of two weeks.

Narcotics can be administered orally, injection, intravenously, or using adhesive skin patches. They are associated with a number of side effects which include nausea, itching, constipation, depression, respiratory depression, constipation and change in mood. Used of narcotics for long periods can cause addiction and the body can become tolerant to their effect.