Will Painkillers cure your back pain?
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability in the world. In fact, eight in ten people will experience lower back pain at some point in their life. Many people will attempt to cure their injury with rest and painkillers. But research shows this is not treating your injury, just your pain. do not reduce the risk of long-term disability that is associated with lower back pain. This is why physiotherapy and exercise should be your first approach to solving your lower back pain!
NSAIDs are Ineffective and Risky Painkillers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in the treatment of lower back pain. These drugs include: ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), diclofenac (Voltaren), and celecoxib (Celebrex). However, research shows that only one in six people will have a significant reduction in pain when using NSAIDs.
Taking into account the common side effects of NSAIDs, taking NSAIDs for your lower back pain are not worth the risk. People taking NSAIDs regularly are over twice as likely to develop gastro-intestinal problems such as indigestion, and stomach ulcers and bleeding. Additionally, NSAIDs have also been linked to increased risk of heart attack.
Danger of Opioids
Despite increased awareness surrounding the risks of opioids to treat pain, some are still prescribed these painkillers to treat their lower back pain. Prescription opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, morphine and fentanyl.
The use of opioids to treat lower back pain put people at risk for accidental death and addiction. More than six out of every ten overdose deaths involve opioids. Despite the increased risk, recent research shows that opioids are no more effective at treating your chronic back pain than NSAIDs.
A Physiotherapy First Approach
Physiotherapists are trained in numerous ways to reduce pain and improve functioning in those with back pain. As part of their assessment they will also test for more serious injury, referring you to an appropriate professional if serious injury is suspected.
A physiotherapist will be able to explain why rest and pain medications are not a good treatment for back pain. Their treatment approach will be exercise-based, and will help reduce your pain, get you moving better, and reduce your risk for long-term disability.
Studies have also shown that those who start with physiotherapy are less likely to require pain medication, unnecessary medical imaging (such as MRIs and CT scans), and visits to the emergency room. Physiotherapy can also help you save money on other treatments, including surgery and injections, which are often ineffective.
If you are dealing with back pain and would like to know how we can help call or text 416-660-4187.
If you prefer you can email at shawnwilliamspt@gmail.com
