Prescription Painkillers and Alternatives for Pain
It's become far too easy for a patient to walk into a doctor's office, complain of back troubles, and get a prescription for their painkiller of choice. It's a "convenience" that's literally killing them. And the sad part is it looks like a lot of these folks don't need the prescription at all.
A recent study has shown that accidental deaths caused by prescription painkillers rose 91 percent between 1999 and 2002, and that a great number of those deaths were most likely due to abuse.
During the study, the researchers looked into the backgrounds of the people who died and saw that a lot of those patients did not meet the profile of those suffering from chronic pain (the only reason anyone should be allowed a painkiller, for any reason).
The simple truth is that if your pain isn't debilitating, and if it's not chronic, then chances are you don't need a painkiller. And sometimes, even if it is chronic, you still don't need a drug.
When it comes to arthritis pain (which of course is usually chronic), I usually prescribe fish oil (2 to 3 g of total DHA and EPA daily) and a powerful botanical formulation called Zyflamend, from New Chapter. Most cases of arthritis will respond to these two remedies without the need for prescription or even over-the-counter painkillers.
As far as other types of pain -- like lower back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and headaches -- most will respond to physical therapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, and osteopathic manipulation.
If you see a one of these types of therapists, he or she will probably prescribe special exercises. If you skip the exercises, you might as well skip seeing the therapist. The exercises are usually the most important part your pain treatment plan.
