The Truth About Painkiller Addiction

A lot of people worry that taking painkillers can lead to addiction. If doctors prescribe the medication following a certain schedule, it should not be a problem. But if the patient takes it even without feeling physical pain, it might be a red flag.

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There are those who do get addicted to their medication in order to function well. Here are signs that tell that someone might be at risk of painkiller addiction.

They constantly think about their medication.

The first sign of addiction is when the person is preoccupied with thoughts of when the next dose will happen, and whether the supply is enough for days or weeks to come.

There is a confusion between addiction and dependency. Patients can be physically dependent on a certain drug, but it does not always follow that they are addicted to it. When people are physically dependent on medication, the body has built up a high tolerance to it, and will need a higher dosage to get the desired effect. When people are addicted to it, they keep using the drug even without the need for it.

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They take varying amounts than the dosage prescribed.

People who are addicted to medication take more than what is prescribed. There are instances when the medication is “stretched out” to last longer. If the patient is having problems controlling the intake of painkillers, it can be a problem.

They get painkillers from different sources

They stock up painkillers to help ease the pain they feel. They order drugs from other sources like online stores and black markets. Some even steal from others or hurt themselves so they can go to a hospital to get a prescription.

Painkiller addiction is a concern that needs to be addressed. Learn more about it by subscribing to this Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., blog.

Study: Morphine May Increase Pain Severity

Morphine is one of the go-to medicines of people experiencing severe or chronic pain. The opioid painkiller has long been the gold standard treatment for acute pain, but this might change from now on as a new study suggests an unfortunate irony: instead of providing pain relief, the medication could make chronic pain worse and slow down the recovery in some cases.

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The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers a glimpse into the possible long-term consequences of opiates like morphine and oxycodone. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder used genetic and pharmacological interventions, including the novel Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) to demonstrate how a course of morphine after nerve injury doubles the duration of neuropathic pain in mouse models. They've found out that morphine activates spinal immune cells, amplifying pain rather than dulling it, even after the painkilling treatment has been stopped.

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Rat models show that "the pain is effectively transitioned to a chronic state, making the pain itself both more severe and longer lasting.” The opioid activates inflammasome, a specific group of signaling proteins in microglia that sends pain signals up to the brain. Previous studies have shown that opioid painkillers make microglia, the immune cells of the brain, more sensitive to activation that is likely a factor that could explain opioid-induced hyperalgesia.

While the results show fundamental clinical implications for pain, researchers stress that they shouldn't be used as the basis for not giving opioids to people in pain. An awareness of the side effects of pain medications coupled with a deeper understanding of pain and the many non-drug alternatives available for pain management promotes a holistic approach to chronic pain. Stress management, diet, and exercise, and gentle manual medicine could go a long way in conquering pain and maintaining an active life without medications.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., uses a multidisciplinary approach in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of pain. Her practice focuses on providing individualized treatment plans that help patients stay on top of their pain best and enjoy life. Read more about pain management here.

Shingles: Causes, Symptoms, And Possible Treatments

Herpes zoster, also known as zosters or shingles, is a disease that affects the face or torso area. People who experience the condition have blistering skin rashes. It is commonly linked to having a weakened immune system and is often seen in older individuals. Some have it once, but others experience numerous episodes of it.

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People who have shingles experience tickling, burning, pain, or numbness in a particular area a few days before the rashes appear. They also show flu-like symptoms such as diarrhea, chills, and stomachache, but usually without the fever. The painful rashes appear after these symptoms, and can last for up to two to four weeks.

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The cause of shingles is the reactivation of the VZV or varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. People who have had booster shots for chickenpox can develop shingles at a later time.

Shingles can be diagnosed by medical professionals based on the appearance of the rash. Doctors aim to treat shingles by diminishing the effects of the varicella zoster virus, as well as pain relief and management. Doctors often prescribe antiviral medications within 72 hours after the rashes have appeared. Pain relievers are also prescribed to help ease the discomfort caused by the rashes. Although shingles are common, it is best to take good care of the loved one experiencing the condition, especially if they are seniors.

Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., specializes in pain management. Learn more about her practice by visiting this website.

Cooking healthy: Reduce pain and swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Food may not be the only cause of inflammation and other body pains, but cutting down on some ingredients will ease the discomfort caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some healthy ingredients to consider:

 

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 Skip the fat and choose olive oil. People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid eating fried foods. Stay away from food rich in saturated and trans fat, and settle with a healthy, sautéed meal with olive oil. 

Inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can increase a person’s risk of heart disease, and choosing for a healthier kind of oil is good for the joints and heart. 

Choose green, leafy vegetables. Leafy greens are powerful antioxidants, which reduce joint damage and pain caused by inflammation. Kale and broccoli, when taken in moderation, can aid swelling and joint pain. Vegetables are low in calories, so they also aid weight loss and ease stress on the joints. 

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Sip on some tea during the day. Green tea is a great brew that aids digestion. It also reduces pain caused by inflammation because of antioxidants. 

Go whole grain. Choose whole grain when picking rice, bread, and oats. Whole grains are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that will benefit those with arthritis.

Dr. Melanie Novak is a pain management physician who has served patients who experience chronic pain problems. Follow this Twitter account to know more about pain management and other similar topics.

What to Avoid Doing in the Event of Back Pain

After a long day at the office, some people experience back pain. Back pain has also been common among students because of their heavy backpacks and bad posture while writing or using their computers. When people experience back pain, they have best avoid normal physical activities for the first few days, and heavy lifting and twisting for the first six weeks, before they can slowly go back to exercising. Having a physical therapist would be advisable for those who are recovering from severe back pain.

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There are some treatments for long-term back pain that are not recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) because of lack of evidence of their effectiveness. The list of such treatments includes: low level laser therapy, traction, lumbar supports, etc.

As mentioned, there are activities that should be avoided while still recovering (unless the doctor advises them). These are contact sports, dancing, sit-ups, racquet sports, and jogging. Avoid wearing high heels, standing for long periods, and smoking. When resting, most people with back pain would just lie on their backs. A pillow must be added under the knees to reduce the pressure. Another option is to lie on a fetal position with a pillow between the legs. Make sure to consult a doctor for all kinds of back pains, especially severe ones, to prevent them from getting worse.

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Dr. Melanie Novak specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of pain. Subscribe to this blog for more information on chronic pain treatment.

Treatment Options for those Suffering from Chronic Pain and Opioid Addiction

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Those suffering from chronic pain are more at risk for an opioid addiction. The correlation can easily be seen: those in pain usually depend on various types of opioids for their pain treatment or management. These two conditions are distinct and are expressed in different ways for every individual. This is why many medical professionals take a multi-dimensional approach to the management chronic pain, and address the high possibility of an opioid addiction.

Similar to other chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, both pain and addictive conditions typically have psycho-behavioral and biological factors that shape how the conditions are expressed. It is therefore important that physicians thoroughly comb and analyze patients’ complete medical history. Treatment options are designed based on consistent dialogue. Patients are also fully encouraged to engage in self-care and constant introspection. It must be noted that both conditions require long-term clinical care so it is essential that the patient feels comfortable with his or her clinician so that an effective treatment plan can be designed and implemented.

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The patient should also understand that pain and addiction share a number of similar clinical features such as mood and sleep disturbances, functional losses, and high levels of stress. Usually, one condition reinforces the other. Treatment plans will generally involve biopsychosocial components to improve recovery.

Lastly, it must be noted that while addiction can be fully treated, chronic pain can only be properly managed. Medical research is still tracking down a cure for chronic pain.

Live a full and productive life despite any pain condition with the help of Dr. Melanie Novak, a specialist for all types of pain including headaches, neck and lower back pain, shoulder, hip and knee discomfort, and various types of joint pain. For more information on her practice, follow this Twitter account.

A Home Care Plan for Shingles

Although the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox, or what is commonly known as shingles, is not a life-threatening condition, it can have some painful symptoms and if left untreated for long, may cause some complications. Also, shingles can be particularly contagious to those who haven't had chicken pox. As such, looking into a home care plan for shingles is important. Here are some things to keep in mind when one has or is caring for someone with shingles.

Shingles is characterized by itchy and painful water-filled blisters. It may be tempting to scratch these but try not to do so. These blisters are actually contagious, so those who haven't had the chickenpox shouldn't be exposed to these. Instead, keep the rashes dry and clean so they aren't infected further – cornstarch and baking soda are recommended to decrease the moisture. One can also ask a doctor about antihistamines or other anti-allergy medications to lessen the itching.

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Any towels, blankets, or clothing that have had contact with the sores should be washed thoroughly with hot water or discarded. Additionally, to make sure clothing doesn't rub on the rash so much, it's also best to wear loose garments.

Those whose shingles are expressed on the face, nose, or eyes may need to consult a doctor at once. In the eyes, shingles can cause corneal damage, inflammation, cataracts, and even some loss of vision so seeking medical care is of the utmost imperative.

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Shingles patients may also experience postherpetic neuralgia even when the shingles has subsided. This condition, characterized by either excruciating pain or diminished sensation in the area where the rashes were, may last from anywhere between a few months to much longer. Because the pain can be unbearable, those who suffer from this are typically referred to pain management specialists who can help them through the pain.

 Dr. Melanie Novak, M.D., pain management specialist, creates individualized treatment plan to address her patients' specific pain needs . Visit this website to learn more about chronic pain symptoms and treatments