Pain Relief

There is no shortage of herbs for arthritis. It is true that they may not really be able to cure arthritis. They can however greatly reduce the pain and swelling that arthritis patients commonly suffer from. These herbs may be a good option for you if nothing else works. Among the possible herbal options are:

-Nettle Leaves- Stinging nettle is believed to be the natural counterpart of NSAIDs. The anti-inflammatory components of this herb reduce arthritis swelling. The herb also has boron which is a recommended nutrient for those with arthritis. Nettle can be eaten or used for tea.

-Devil’s Claw- Its name is actually derived from the appearance of its fruits that look much like claws. This is a herb found in Africa and is prized for its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also believed to help improve the joint movement of arthritic patients.

-Ginger- If you love the taste of ginger, you will love it even more for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help reduce the sensation of pain. Those who are very fond of ginger often report that there seem to be no side effects associated with it. Ginger can be mixed with food or taken as tea.

-Celery- Another ingredient found in the kitchen that can be used for arthritis relief is celery. Early European settlers introduced this herb to the North American continent. The herb has anti-inflammatory substances and potassium which is beneficial for arthritis patients.

-Red Pepper- No herbs for arthritis list will be complete without red pepper. This is probably one of the most well known natural pain relievers that is useful even to those who do not have arthritis. Capsaicin which makes peppers taste hot can also help hamper the perception of pain. It also causes the release of more endorphins which are natural pain relievers in the body. Another compound in red peppers is salicylate which closely mimics aspirin.

-Alfalfa- The major contribution of this herb to arthritis relief is its nourishing nutrient content. It also serves to minimize the retention of fluid. It is recommended that arthritic patients take this herb in tea form. Alfalfa powder may increase arthritis symptoms.

-Angelica- One species of this herb is also popularly known as dong quai. This herb is used for both the relief of inflammation and arthritis pain. Like other herbs, this one can be taken in tea form.

A couple of other herbs have pain and inflammation reducing components. Those who take herbs seriously and properly can truly attest to the effectiveness of herbs. You should always remember though to always have safety in mind. Some herbs, when taken with some medicines can result in serious and dangerous side effects.

Herbs also have no standard dosages and mixtures. Different sources and herbal experts will have different recommendations. This means there is no guarantee that one specific dosage recommendation will work well for you.

Herbs should not be taken without your doctor’s advice. The safest way to take herbs for arthritis is with your doctor’s knowledge and consent.

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There are a number of people who are concerned about NSAIDs since the popular drugs valdecoxib and rofecoxib were pulled by the FDA. Since then, the FDA has also increased its warnings regarding NSAID usage for long term chronic conditions. The FDA warns that the long term use of NSAIDs may increase your risk for stroke, heart attack and for gastrointestinal bleeding. With those warnings, many with arthritis are now looking for alternative for arthritis.

There are two things to keep in mind when looking at other lines of defense against the inflammation associated with arthritis. First, any time that you add anything to your regiment, including natural supplements or herbal remedies, be sure to check with your doctor first. It is the safest as they will know whether or not there would be any concern for interaction with any other medication you are currently taking. The second thing to remember is that alternative or natural remedies can take up to eight weeks to see a marked improvement.

This is a small list of natural remedies that are being researched and have been found useful in some cases by various research foundations including the Program of Integrative Medicine out of Arizona and the Natropauth Research Institute.

1. Phenylanine. This is basically an amino acid that when absorbed helps promote two neurotransmitters. Dopamine and norepinephrine. It is known that both of these increase the level of endorphins in the the brain which relieves pain. For the maximum benefit it is recommended to take 1,000 mg of DL- Phenylalanine twice a day on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to any meal.

2. Methysolfonyl methane (MSM). This is a non toxic sulfur compound that has shown benefits in anti inflammatory properties on the body. Although not fully researched, it is seen to show benefits when taken at 8,000 mg divided over three times a day and is considered completely safe with no side effects seen.

3. Magnesium. Magnesium is critical for carrying out nerve and muscle impulses. It releases energy into the cells. Most people with arthritis are deficient in magnesium. It is recommended to try 300 600 mg of magnesium along with 1,200 to 2,400 mg of malic acid.

4. Glucosamine. Derived from cartilage this is shown to ease pain in joints. In the New England Journal of Medicine which did a landmark study of Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate the combination showed relief to nearly 350 of the 1,600 patients that suffered mild to severe arthritic pain. It is recommended to take 1,500 mg of gluosamine with 1,200 mg of chondrotin divided into three times a day.

5. Capsaicin cremes. Capsaicin is derived from hot peppers and can be used in a creme form as an effective alternative. Used externally it depletes Substance P over time which is elevate in anyone who suffers chronic pain.

6. SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine). This is compound that is naturally in our tissues. It has shown in one study in California to reduce pain as well as the well known drug celecoxib. They studies 400 mg twice a day and then after two weeks decreasing to 200 mg twice a day. Caution though this drug does has some side effects, so be sure to discuss with your doctor before trying this remedy.

There are a multitude of other products on the market that claim to do many things. The most important recommendation that can be made, is whether the product is herbal, topical, alternative or over the counter remedies, is to discuss all options with your health care team before hand.

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The pain in arthritis can be moderate to severe. Arthritic joints appear to be larger, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse the more they are used as the day progresses. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. I found relief from my arthritis pain, naturally, and you can do it too. I know the secret to getting rid of arthritis pain and it’s not taking NSAIDs or any other drugs.

Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. Joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are primarily supplied by the synovium and cartilage. In young people, cartilage is about 85% water and in older folks about 70% of cartilage is water.

One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection. Genetic factors are thought to be involved in about 50% of osteoarthritis cases in the hands and hips and a somewhat lower percentage of cases in the knee.

Possible causes of arthritis include lesser known: bleeding disorders, like hemophilia, which causes bleeding to occur in the joint; disorders such as avascular necrosis, that block the blood supply closest to the joint; and conditions like hemochromatosis, that causes iron build-up in the joints.

If your osteoarthritis is affecting your load-bearing joints, keeping your weight within a normal range is important. Some foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food. Watch your diet closely – load-bearing joints are affected by excessive weight; they are the hips, knees, feet and spine.

Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question the value of these supplements; it’s clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Some people swear by morning drinks of raw apple cider vinegar and honey for arthritis pain relief. A study in Great Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil on osteoarthritis; relieving pain and stiffness, and reversing the destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.

I eat a diet of living foods (fruits, raw veggies, raw nuts and raw seeds) to relieve my arthritis pain and this should be tried for at least 30 days, thus eliminating any foods that might be culprits. Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc.

For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts. Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost — no one will ever know.

Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers regardless of how much restriction of movement there is. Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited manner. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day.

Exercise in a heated pool; it will help reduce the pressure on your joints and the heat will help you loosen those joints. Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Don’t just sit there, keep moving.

Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset.

Only you know which treatment option is best for you. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements.

Once you understand the facts about arthritis, possible causes and treatment approaches you can take, you’ll be on your way to recovery and pain will disappear. The biggest secret to arthritis pain relief is to change your diet now; eat foods that are alive. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast.

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In a recent survey on pain conducted by the Stanford University Medical Center, arthritis pain was cited as the chief complaint among Americas seniors, with thirty-two percent of the senior population listing arthritis as the specific cause of their suffering. Arthritis does strike children and young adults as well, although it afflicts the mature segment of the population more frequently. It is estimated that 15% of the American adult population suffer from arthritis, and this number is rising, increasing the demand for arthritis pain relief.

Arthritis is a general term encompassing over 100 different medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, the three most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It causes inflammation in the joints, tendons and ligaments. It manifests in every part of the body, ranging from mild joint stiffness to crippling disability. Sufferers experience the pain of arthritis differently, too; for some, arthritis is at it is most severe upon waking up, while others report that their condition worsens throughout the day. No one knows exactly what causes arthritis, but it is among the oldest of human afflictions.

The type of arthritis and intensity of the condition determine the course of treatment. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are traditional and alternative treatments that can bring arthritis pain relief. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are popular for treating arthritis pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for osteoarthritis patients with little or mild inflammation, while aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen work best for patients with inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis.

The healing touch of massage may stimulate the flow of blood, bringing heat and relief to stiff joints. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, relaxation, yoga, and even emu oil are have proven effective for many arthritis sufferers.

Heat and cold can help alleviate pain too, but since moist heat, such as that from a bath, acts differently than the dry heat of a heating pad or the cold of an ice pack, this type of treatment needs to be discussed with a doctor or physical therapist. Doctors also often recommend patients wear splints or braces to relieve joint pressure and protect them from further injury.

Another technique, called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), works by blocking nerve endings from sending pain messages to the brain, so that the pain is never felt! A small TENS device sends mild electrical pulses to the nerve endings of the painful area, which seem to scramble their message to the brain.

Medications top the list for long-term arthritis pain relief, and include several families of prescription drugs. Weight reduction, exercise, and stretching can all go a long way toward reducing stress on joints.

Surgery may be necessary for patients with severe arthritis. The operation may realign the joint or replace the damaged joint with an artificial one. Total joint replacement has resulted in dramatic arthritis pain relief and improved range of motion for many patients.

The most difficult but often the most effective pain reliever is establishing a healthy lifestyle – eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep at night, and daily exercise. All of these help ease the pain of chronic arthritis. Support groups, a good physician, and making the effort to stay informed about arthritis treatment often benefits of patients suffering from arthritis as well.

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Chronic arthritis pain isn’t something to ignore: not only can it affect your quality of life, it can also deplete your emotional stores (leading to anxiety and/or depression) and muscle fitness (leading to weakness or complete muscle breakdown).

But whether you suffer from osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints) or gout (excess uric acid that accumulate in the joints), relief from your arthritis pain is available. This article will discuss the pros and cons of over the counter (OTC) medications and supplements for osteoarthritis, focusing on managing arthritis pain and maintaining the ability to use the joint in question.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Acetaminophen

Of the drugs in our list of arthritis pain relievers, acetaminophen is widely accepted as the OTC with the least amount of undesirable side effects and the lowest long-term costs. However, acetaminophen does nothing to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis pain, normally can only treat mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis and can easily become toxic if mixed with alcohol.

Arthritis Pain Relief: NSAIDs

NSAIDs help sufferers with both arthritis pain and inflammation and are quite inexpensive (like acetaminophen). However, long term usage has been shown to cause upset stomach and other, more serious side effects (such as skin rashes or speeding up the progression of osteoarthritis by interfering with cartilage repair and promoting cartilage destruction).

Arthritis Pain Relief: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Combined together, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are excellent supplements in the fight against arthritis pain: they are said to increase mobility, reduce osteoarthritis pain and form the building blocks for cartilage growth. However, those allergic to shellfish must avoid glucosamine at all costs (since it’s derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster and crab).

Arthritis Pain Relief: MSM

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has been studied extensively (for over twenty years) as an arthritis pain relieving supplement. By blocking pain transmitters in the affected nerve, MSM users find similar arthritis pain relief to acetaminophen, but without the potential liver toxicity. Some osteoarthritis sufferers have also noticed a reduction in inflammation of the joints also, since MSM reduces histamine levels (linked to allergy-related inflammation).

Arthritis Pain Relief: SAMe

SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) has been shown to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis sufferers as much as NSAIDs. However, SAMe takes a longer time to see symptom reduction, but offers less gastrointestinal discomfort than NSAIDs in general. Arthritis pain sufferers should ensure enough B vitamins are ingested along with SAMe to feel the full effects, and expect slow but steady arthritis pain relief.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Found in evening primrose and borage oils, GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid said to help lessen arthritis pain, stiffness and swelling. Few side effects have been recorded, however all omega-6′s are blood thinners and may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with NSAIDs.

As with all OTC supplements and drugs, check with your doctor first before starting any arthritis pain reducing regimen on your own. You may also want to monitor your liver and kidney function for most of the medications discussed above since almost all have a slight risk of side effects. Start with the lowest dosage possible to see how your body and your illness tolerate the item, and be patient: you’ll never be sure if a new supplement or medication is actually working if you don’t take adequate time to test.

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Though non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents or NSAIDs are the most commonly used agents for this purpose, relief to a person suffering from arthritis can come in a form other than NSAID too. Theses alternatives are important for all those who are unable to tolerate the side effects of NSAIDs, specially the gastric irritation caused by them.

For such persons, available options are medicines other than NSAIDs, alternative therapy and surgery.

I. MEDICINES FOR ARTHRITIS (OTHER THAN NSAIDs)

There are five major categories of medicine that can provide relief in arthritis. These include acetaminophen, opioid analgesics, steroids, disease modifying agents and biological response modifiers.

* ACETAMINOPHEN is the most commonly used non-NSAID pain reliever. Though primarily used to manage fever, it is an effective alternative for NSAIDs and can be used alone or in combination with other medicines.

* OPIOD ANALGESICS like CODEINE and DIAMORPHINE relieve pain by directly acting on the brain. They are useful in cases of severe pain, but also have a lot of side effects. They can cause dependence and also interfere in level of alertness. They are strict prescription drugs, to be used only in selective cases.

* STEROIDS act primarily by reducing the swelling of arthritis. They can not be used in long run, but can be fairly effective in short periods. They must not be stopped abruptly and need tapering of dose. Steroids also cause gastric irritation and must be used carefully with acid reducing agents.

* DISEASE MODIFYING ANTI-RHEUMATIC AGENTS or DMARDs are medicines that are useful in those types of arthritis that result from an abnormal immune system, like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Arthritis. They modify the immune system and modify the process of disease itself. Medicines in this category include medicines like METHOTREXATE, SULFASALAZINE, PENICILLAMINE and AZATHIOPRINE.

* BIOLOGIC RESPONSE MODIFIERS interfere in the process of swelling of joint structures, by inhibiting the proteins which cause swelling, called ‘cytokines’. Different medicines in this category target different proteins. ETANERCEPT and INFLIXIMAB inhibit the ‘tumor necrosis factor’ while ANAKINRA inhibits ‘interluekin-1′. These medicines are now increasingly being used in long term and severe cases, but they are expensive and need to be given by injections.

II. OTHER MODES OF TREATMENT

Most of other modes of treatment need local application on the painful joints and

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NSAID’S: THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF MODERN MEDICINE

Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, are the bittersweet medications commonly prescribed by doctors for people suffering for arthritis. Common NSAID’s prescribed for arthritis are: Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Etodolac, Orudis and Indomethacin. While pretty effective, NSAIDs carry an overwhelming list of potential side effects (think of Vioxx) that may obscure and in many cases surpass the benefits.

It may therefore, not be surprising that many arthritis sufferers are looking for alternative treatments to help ease this debilitating condition.

Fortunately, there are various options for the arthritis sufferer that cannot tolerate NSAID’s or has suffered side effects from its use, many are alternate approaches of traditional medical treatments.

ACUPUNCTURE

Very thin needles are inserted into the skin in some specific points that are known to help heal. Because these needles are thin as a hair, there is no pain involved but rather just a slight tingling sensation. The needles are kept in specific areas for some time allowing the body to flourish. Acupuncture sessions may generally last around half hour. Many people have reported an improvement in their arthritis condition however, it does not necessarily mean it will work for everybody.

CHIROPRATIC THERAPY

A chiropractor can be a good aid for the treatment of arthritis. He/she will apply pressure on specific joints and release tiny pockets of gas that are trapped within. He/she may also work on realigning the spine. Many chiropractors may also combine other relief options such as physical therapy, exercise and nutrition.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Massage therapy may be pleasurable for everybody but it turns out to be particularly very beneficial for arthritis sufferers. A good session will last around 60 minutes. Many of us think of massage as pressure on skin but arthritic sufferers benefit of it because it helps reduce pain and boost the immune system

EXERCISE

Oddly enough, exercise may be helpful in decreasing arthritic pain. People that are overweight may highly benefit of a good exercise regimen along with diet. Excess weight puts major strain on bones,spine and joints, so losing weight will definitely be beneficial.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist or suggest you a proper exercise regimen to carefully follow.

GLUCOSAMINE SUPPLEMENTS

Glucosamine helps the arthritic sufferer

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Rheumatoid arthritisis traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints.

It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction if not effectively treated. Rheumatoid arthritisis a systemic disease, often affecting articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles.

About 60% of Rheumatoid arthritis patients are unable to work 10 years after the onset of their disease

RA is a disease of primarily the child bearing years. It affects three times as many women as men and is particularly common between the ages of 25 and 50. “People who have it may be born with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis that is triggered by an environment factor, such as a viral infection,” says Dr. Rubin.

The most commonly affected joints are the wrists and knuckles, but inflammation can occur in the neck, shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, ankles and feet. Often the person with RA feels fatigued and sick all over and, sometimes, feverish. Those with RA are at risk for developing RA in all joints.

“With RA, the earlier it is treated, the better your chances of stopping its progression and putting it into remission, Dr. Rubin says. Treatment aims not to take care of pain and inflammation but to blunt the destructive process.

People with RA may take corticosteroids to decrease inflammation and pain; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (methotrexate and leflunomide) to relieve pain and swelling and slow joint damage; or anti-inflammatory aids such as NSAIDS or COX-2 inhibitors to decrease the pain and control inflammation.

Topical ointment applications have proven effective for RA, particularly those with Calendula Oil as one of the pain relieving ingredients in their formula. Calendula Oil is healing carrier oil containing the active ingredients of the marigold flower often referred to as Marigold Oil. The carotenes, phytosterols, polyphenols and EFAs present in the herb allow pain relieving penetrating formulation products that can dramatically improve the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected RA area of the body.

The biggest breakthrough in treating RA has been with injectable drugs that interfere with parts of the immune system that attack the joints, explains Selden Longley, M.D., a rheumatologist at the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of North Florida in Gainesville. “They don’t affect the entire immune system, so they have fewer side effects.” These drugs are etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, and anakinra and are effective toward reducing inflammation and structural damage to the joints.

So read up on all the anti-inflammatory aids, NSAIDS, Calendula based topical ointments, and the new and emerging injectable drugs and find the perfect pain relieving “cocktail” that works for you.

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Arthritis is a term that is used to describe over a hundred conditions, all of which affect the joints. These conditions cause pain and inflammation of the joints and damage to the bone and its protective coating of cartilage. This damage leads to joint deformation and weakness but it is the chronic pain that is often one of the most disabling factors.

Commonly this pain is treated with drugs called NSAID’s or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These act on the prostaglandin system to stop the inflammatory process and so relieve pain, they also have some intrinsic pain relieving properties.

The use of NSAID’s has problems however; NSAID’s can cause asthma and stomach damage. In the elderly this stomach damage can be symptomless unless an ulcer bursts, creating a medical emergency. The use of NSAID’s with other drugs also causes problems. NSAID’s interact with other medications, and cause fluid retention that may cause hypertension or heart failure.

For these reasons alternatives to NSAID’s are constantly being sought.

Initially when seeking pain relief acetaminophen should be used. Unless the arthritis is in an active stage the pain is not being caused by inflammation and acetaminophen will offer relief. It should be taken regularly. Many studies have shown that pain is easier to prevent than treat, in other words patients are better taking the minimum amount to keep pain away every day, rather than medicating just when in pain. If these are not strong enough opiate-based painkillers may be added.

Steroids are commonly used in arthritis to prevent active arthritis. These cannot be used long term as they cause bone thinning and immune suppression (which is useful for some forms of arthritis). They provide pain relief by modifying the diseases process.

The modern DMARD’s or disease modifying agents act in as similar manner by stopping the disease process. They have some very toxic side effects and should only be used when the disease is severely affecting every day life. Immune modulators, such as azathioprine, act in a similar way and have similar problems.

Complimentary medicine has much to offer the arthritis patient in terms of pain relief, and less in terms of side effects. Perhaps the best known medication for this is Glucosamine. Studies have shown that a daily dose of 1500mg of glucosamine will slow further damage to joints and even in some cases repair the damaged cartilage.

The effects may take over a month to become

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If you suffer from back pain the one thing you want as quick as possible is pain relief. The level of pain felt will vary between persons, it all depends on the pain tolerance a person has but also on what the cause of the back pain is. Most often you can treat the pain with medication like naproxen or ibuprofen. These are so called non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs. One of the biggest problems with these NSAIDs is that you can get potential side effects like increased risk of heart attack or stroke and/or gastrointestinal bleeding.

When you’re looking for medication witch don’t have these side effects maybe COX-2 inhibitors are an option. At this moment they haven’t shown any negative side effects on the gastrointestinal system. Testing, however, is still continuing because the long term safety still has to be determined. Long term usage of non-sterodial anti-inflammatory drugs can have the increasing potential of gastrointestinal and/or kidney damage. The verdict on COX-2 is still out until the research on long term use is done and the effects are known to us.

Although most of the over the counter drugs don’t have the same strength as NAIDs, Acetaminophen has shown some successes as pain medication when it comes to reducing the discomfort of having a back pain, and this all without having the many side effects NIADs have. When muscle spasm is the main cause of the pain there are only a few options in pain medications that can reduce the pain.

Drowsiness is the cause of pain medication

The most prescribed drugs, which are part of a persons back pain medication, are muscle relaxers. About 30% of those users have reported that they become extremely drowse when they take them. Muscle relaxers also have not proved to be very effective against muscle spasms even when they are used together with NAIDs no there was no real benefit shown. Muscle relaxers may be more effective then a placebo but the effects physicians have seen they have on alertness makes them very reluctant to prescribe them.

When a person has acute back pain, in some cases, an opiate medication may be prescribed only they have certain side effects you will have to take in to account. These side effects are sedation, clouded judgement, nausea and not in the least the high potential for addiction. Therefor you will never be allowed to take this type of medication for more then a few days. Constipation is one of the most heard of complaint. All though opiate medication or narcotics as pain medication is very effective for pain relieve they will not help to reduce any of the healing time.

No benefit has been shown of oral steroids being a good medication for back pain and there is also no benefit if taken as an injection in the back or as epidural. When used on sciatica they have been successful but without sciatica it’s not known to give any relief as a back pain medication.

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