When you have back or neck pain, you feel like taking a painkiller to get rid of the pain right away, right? In fact, many people in our country do that. Sometimes, when a simple painkiller doesn't help, some people are tempted to use a stronger, "stronger" painkiller. But did you know that a recent study has found that using these so-called strong painkillers for sudden back and neck pain doesn't really have much effect?
What are these powerful painkillers (Opioids)?
Simply put, these are a special group of painkillers that doctors prescribe to control very severe, severe pain. For example, you may have heard of names like Tramadol, Morphine, and Pethidine. These are what we call opioids. These are usually given for severe pain after surgery, cancer pain, etc. They affect the brain and nervous system and reduce the sensation of pain. However, they can be very addictive, so they should never be used without the supervision of a doctor.
What does the latest study say?
A recent study by a group of researchers in Australia was published in the world-renowned medical journal *The Lancet*. This study really surprised many people.
Imagine, they divided more than 340 patients who had sudden onset of back or neck pain, meaning they had had the pain for less than 12 weeks, into two groups .
1. The first group: was actually given the opioid drug.
2. The second group: was given a placebo. That is, something that looks like a medicine, but does not contain any active medicine. However, the patient does not know whether he is receiving the real medicine or the fake medicine.
The results of this 6-year study are quite surprising.
After 6 weeks , there was no significant difference in the pain levels of the patients in either group. And the results were the same after 12 weeks. That is, there was no significant difference in pain reduction between the person who took the strong painkiller and the person who just took a pill.
The researchers say, "These results suggest that we should reconsider prescribing opioids for acute back and neck pain, as we did not find a significant difference in pain relief compared to placebo."
Why is this important?
This is important because many medical guidelines around the world still recommend opioids for this type of pain. This study shows that there is no point in giving these powerful drugs for what we commonly call " back pain ," pain that is less than three months old.
The real dangers of opioids
The study found something even more alarming than the lack of pain relief: people who took opioids were at a higher risk of becoming addicted to or abusing the drug a year later.
This is the biggest problem. How dangerous is it to simply cut a path to addiction without any pain relief? Here are some of the things that can happen with opioid addiction:
- Tolerance: After a while, the pain no longer subsides with the previous dose. Then you feel like taking a higher dose.
- Physical Dependence: If you stop taking the drug, you will start to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, body aches, nausea, and stomach cramps.
- Overdose: Taking too much can cause respiratory arrest and even death.
- Other side effects: Constipation, drowsiness , nausea, vomiting, and confusion are also common.
So what should you really do for back/neck pain?
Now you're probably thinking, "So you're just going to have to put up with this pain?" Not at all. There are much safer and more effective ways to manage these types of sudden pain than opioids.
1. Move: We used to say that if you have back pain, you should stay in bed. But now we say that you should do your work as normally as possible and walk a little bit. Sitting still makes your muscles tighter.
2. Heat/Cold Packs: Applying a hot water bottle or ice pack to the painful area can provide good relief.
3. Physiotherapy: This is the best and most long-term solution. A physiotherapist will teach you exercises and muscle strengthening techniques that are appropriate for your condition.
4. Other painkillers: Paracetamol or NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac may be more effective for this type of pain than opioids. But remember, you should always consult your doctor before using any of these medications.
When should you definitely see a doctor?
A common back/neck pain will subside in a few days or two to three weeks. However, there are some symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention . We consider these to be "red flags."
| Symptom | What does this mean? |
|---|---|
| Numbness in the legs or genital area, inability to control urine or stool. | This may have affected the spinal cord. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Severe pain after an accident or fall. | A broken bone or other serious injury may occur. |
| Pain accompanied by fever, chills, and weight loss. | It could be a sign of an infection or other serious medical condition. |
| The pain is worse at night and persists even when resting. | There may be a situation that requires a more in-depth investigation. |
If you have these symptoms, don't stay home and see your doctor immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Recent studies have confirmed that the use of strong painkillers (Opioids) does not provide significant relief for sudden, short-term back and neck pain.
- Not only do these medications not provide pain relief, but they also carry a high risk of addiction and other dangerous side effects.
- The best treatment for back/neck pain is proper movement, physical therapy, and safe painkillers taken as directed by a doctor.
- Never use strong painkillers, especially opioids, without a doctor's prescription.
- If your pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, numbness, or loss of bladder/bowel control, seek medical advice immediately.
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