Throughout the course of a lifetime, many individuals will experience back pain in some manner.
While some short-term conditions, such a muscle tension, can be treated fully, others, like a herniated disk, may take longer to repair and may even require surgery.
In an effort to save money and avoid undergoing surgery, patients may attempt to resolve the issue by using various forms of medication and therapy.
While these methods may work for a short period of time, the prolonged use of medication can cause more harm than one may initially think.
Common Methods of Back Pain Treatment For some patients back pain may be limited in intensity, yet for others the pain may recur and gain intensity as the situation progresses.
As a result, doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDS) for back pain on a continuing basis.
While these substances can provide relief for patients who suffer from acute back pain, it is essential for patients to understand the risk of these medications.
Types of NSAIDS Like many other drugs, NSAIDS are available in many forms and varieties.
Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDS are optimal for back pain that is not chronic and only appears at certain times.
These medications are available for purchase by the general public, though age restrictions may be relevant for select types.
In contrast, prescription NSAIDS often have a higher likelihood of encouraging addiction or drug dependence, so a physician's prescription is necessary for obtaining these drugs.
Drugs in this category include ibuprofen, naproxen, and tolmetin, to name a few.
Many of these drugs are used to alleviate back pain in patients who are suffering from a herniated disc.
So, it is essential for patients who have recurring and/or ongoing back pain to understand the potential side effects of using NSAIDS on a short- and long-term basis.
General Side Effects Similar to other medications, NSAIDS pose a threat to individuals with certain conditions and can generate new, or accelerate pre-existing health concerns.
In 2005, the FDA declared it illegal to sell any NSAID that did not contain a "black box" on the product, which outlines the increased risk of cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal bleeding when using these products.
In addition, the FDA rules it necessary for distributors to be more precise in describing potential mishaps within this "black box.
" However, aspirin is excluded from these rulings, due to its proven heart benefits.
In 2006, the FDA farther expanded this warning to include liver failure and the potentially fatal interaction between these drugs and smoking or consuming alcohol simultaneously.
Although NSAIDS can benefit individuals with certain health conditions, they are also known to increase a patient's risk of heart attack, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, dyspepsia, fluid retention, and headaches.
In order to reduce the risk of experiencing negative side effects, patients are encouraged to take the lowest dose of NSAIDS possible.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Ulcers: Top Concerns for NSAID Users Incidentally, the long-term use of NSAIDS is the second most common cause of ulcer generation and growth.
In addition, ulcers that are caused by these medications are more likely to bleed uncontrollably than those generated by other forms of bacteria.
Patients who have a higher risk for bleeding include those over sixty years of age, those with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, individuals who have heart conditions, patients who drink more than average, and individuals who take anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids.
While ulcers can be painful, the ones that present themselves as a result of NSAID use can be resolved with the use of a PPI (Proton-Pump Inhibitor).
In the End...
Undoubtedly NSAIDS hold the potential to generate additional health issues for patients who take them on a long-term basis.
Although the minimal amount of NSAIDS is advised for patients based on their condition, some health conditions require the extended use of these drugs to effectively control pain.
A herniated disc is one of the most painful forms of back pain, and requires the extended use of NSAIDS in order to manage pain until surgery can be performed.
While patients who experience this condition rely on these drugs to alleviate pain, the potential and serious side effects of NSAIDS, like Ibuprofen, should be understood.
Weighing the benefits and consequences of using these drugs can aide patients in choosing the proper medication for their particular back problem.
While some short-term conditions, such a muscle tension, can be treated fully, others, like a herniated disk, may take longer to repair and may even require surgery.
In an effort to save money and avoid undergoing surgery, patients may attempt to resolve the issue by using various forms of medication and therapy.
While these methods may work for a short period of time, the prolonged use of medication can cause more harm than one may initially think.
Common Methods of Back Pain Treatment For some patients back pain may be limited in intensity, yet for others the pain may recur and gain intensity as the situation progresses.
As a result, doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDS) for back pain on a continuing basis.
While these substances can provide relief for patients who suffer from acute back pain, it is essential for patients to understand the risk of these medications.
Types of NSAIDS Like many other drugs, NSAIDS are available in many forms and varieties.
Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDS are optimal for back pain that is not chronic and only appears at certain times.
These medications are available for purchase by the general public, though age restrictions may be relevant for select types.
In contrast, prescription NSAIDS often have a higher likelihood of encouraging addiction or drug dependence, so a physician's prescription is necessary for obtaining these drugs.
Drugs in this category include ibuprofen, naproxen, and tolmetin, to name a few.
Many of these drugs are used to alleviate back pain in patients who are suffering from a herniated disc.
So, it is essential for patients who have recurring and/or ongoing back pain to understand the potential side effects of using NSAIDS on a short- and long-term basis.
General Side Effects Similar to other medications, NSAIDS pose a threat to individuals with certain conditions and can generate new, or accelerate pre-existing health concerns.
In 2005, the FDA declared it illegal to sell any NSAID that did not contain a "black box" on the product, which outlines the increased risk of cardiovascular problems and gastrointestinal bleeding when using these products.
In addition, the FDA rules it necessary for distributors to be more precise in describing potential mishaps within this "black box.
" However, aspirin is excluded from these rulings, due to its proven heart benefits.
In 2006, the FDA farther expanded this warning to include liver failure and the potentially fatal interaction between these drugs and smoking or consuming alcohol simultaneously.
Although NSAIDS can benefit individuals with certain health conditions, they are also known to increase a patient's risk of heart attack, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, high blood pressure, dyspepsia, fluid retention, and headaches.
In order to reduce the risk of experiencing negative side effects, patients are encouraged to take the lowest dose of NSAIDS possible.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Ulcers: Top Concerns for NSAID Users Incidentally, the long-term use of NSAIDS is the second most common cause of ulcer generation and growth.
In addition, ulcers that are caused by these medications are more likely to bleed uncontrollably than those generated by other forms of bacteria.
Patients who have a higher risk for bleeding include those over sixty years of age, those with a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, individuals who have heart conditions, patients who drink more than average, and individuals who take anticoagulants and/or corticosteroids.
While ulcers can be painful, the ones that present themselves as a result of NSAID use can be resolved with the use of a PPI (Proton-Pump Inhibitor).
In the End...
Undoubtedly NSAIDS hold the potential to generate additional health issues for patients who take them on a long-term basis.
Although the minimal amount of NSAIDS is advised for patients based on their condition, some health conditions require the extended use of these drugs to effectively control pain.
A herniated disc is one of the most painful forms of back pain, and requires the extended use of NSAIDS in order to manage pain until surgery can be performed.
While patients who experience this condition rely on these drugs to alleviate pain, the potential and serious side effects of NSAIDS, like Ibuprofen, should be understood.
Weighing the benefits and consequences of using these drugs can aide patients in choosing the proper medication for their particular back problem.
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