1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Opioids for back spasms?

Posted by ksdm @ksdm, Aug 2 2:05pm

Has anyone ever taken Oxycodone or any opioid for a back muscle spasm? I have some but am afraid to try them. I don't want to get addicted.....

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misssuezq | @misssuezq | Aug 4 10:11am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@ksdm I get occasional back spasms but not as painful or debilitating as you describe. I..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@ksdm I get occasional back spasms but not as painful or debilitating as you describe. I do understand your pain and while opioids work in the short term they don't work in the long term without increasing the dose and the risk of addiction - just as you mentioned. In addition, as we get older (I'm 72-years-old) our balance is affected and so we are at risk of falling. I work on balance, by the way, through my workouts and yoga. Anyway, opioids and medications like Valium can affect balance and then we are at even more risk of falls.

I work with a personal trainer at my gym and she has a method she uses to "straighten" me out that works for me. It turns out that when I get twisted up from these spasms that untwisting me is very helpful. I also go to a massage therapist and have used acupuncture. I follow Adriene on YouTube and do yoga. It's free and she has some wonderful and very gentle yoga that is just for backs and balance. An added plus is that my cats like to do yoga with me as I'm on the floor on a mat.

Yoga with Adriene
-- https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Do any of my suggestions appeal to you?

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I love yoga with Adrienne!!!

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classez | @classez | Aug 4 10:40pm
In reply to @ksdm "My doctor gave me a script for Oxycodone for my muscle spasm. As I said, I..." + (show)
@ksdm

My doctor gave me a script for Oxycodone for my muscle spasm. As I said, I haven't taken any for fear of addiction! I've been to 5 pain clinics and 6 other doctors. They usually prescribe pain meds. which all upset my stomach so that I can't eat. I do heat most of the day and ice in btween. I went to another pain clinic two weeks ago and he gave me a shot (Prednisone?) It didn't work, so two weeks later ( yesterday) he gave me another shot which so far, hasn't worked. My whole summer has been sitting in my recliner and trying to stay awake! I take 10 mg. Valium which helps some but can't leave the heating pad and the chair! I am 82, so it can't last too long!!

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Have you try marijuana? It can help.

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1 reply
linamend | @linamend | Aug 5 5:46am
In reply to @ksdm "Just occasional use, but I haven't tried one yet. Too scared. Valium in working but it..." + (show)
@ksdm

Just occasional use, but I haven't tried one yet. Too scared. Valium in working but it takes a long time to kick in!

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Try a fast acting BENZODIAZEPINE, like Xanax, in stead of Valium. What are you afraid of with oxycodone? Unless you're genetically predisposed to opioid addiction, there's little chance of that happening. You need to research info about opioids instead of just listening to the the scare tactics being promulgated by "blind leading the blind" advice from physicians with absolutely NO training in pain medication. Good luck dear. 🤗

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Aug 5 6:15am

Physical dependency IS addiction and if it occurs the patient goes through a nasty withdrawal. I believe your stat about those predisposed to addiction is correct, but anyone using these drugs can get addicted if they use them long enough.

That said, addiction is unlikely to occur if the drugs are taken according to a Dr's orders. So I agree that opioids don't need to be totally avoided, especially if they are addressing severe pain, typical after surgery for example. As always, moderation helps.

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ranch | @ranch | Aug 5 11:03am

I have taken them for back pain. They didn’t do much after three weeks. They also gave me bad constipation

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ksdm | @ksdm | Aug 5 3:18pm

I don't need that, so I will skip the oxycodone, thanks!

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Aug 6 8:12am
In reply to @ranch "I have taken them for back pain. They didn’t do much after three weeks. They also..." + (show)
@ranch

I have taken them for back pain. They didn’t do much after three weeks. They also gave me bad constipation

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Yeah constipation is a nasty side effect of opioids. I did take them after my knees were replaced, along with a stool softener. It helped. It wasn't magic. I think I stayed on oxycodone for about a week after surgery, then a few days on Celebrex and then Tylenol.

I don't care much for Celebrex due to the increased possibility of heart attack or stroke. The risk is small. I guess this is true for all NSAIDs. I stick with Tylenol for pain and take ibuprofen or Alleve is I have a flare up of arthritis, but that is fortunately rare.

I think a good diet is the best protection against inflammation and the related joint pain. I avoid refines sugar as much as possible. I don't deny myself though. I do like a regular coke now and then and a cookie or something sweet at the end of the day. But that's about it.

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ranch | @ranch | Aug 6 9:47am

After first knee replacement I took vs prescriptions. In rehab for Two onths. Second knee replacement no drugs no PT. Just go. Same Dr did both, you figure.
I had bad lover back pain Went to pain specialist and described drugs.Didn’t do much. Went to other pain management. They deaden nerves feeling
good every sense

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1 reply
linamend | @linamend | Aug 6 3:33pm
In reply to @linamend "Unless you are one of the 15% of people in the world w a genetic predilection..." + (show)
@linamend

Unless you are one of the 15% of people in the world w a genetic predilection for addiction to Opioids, you will NOT get addicted. Stop worrying. You can develop a physical dependency, but that's a completely different thing from addiction. If you don't "crave" an opioid euphoria, you are not addicted. People in pain crave pain relief. Totally different.

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I'm so glad so many folks found my answer helpful. I am working hard with a large group of physicians and other professionals to educate others on the real issues with opioid addiction --and it's NOT prescription medication. It's illegal Fentanyl that has doctors and lawmakers confused and taking drastic steps that have prevented REAL PAIN PATIENTS from getting the help they need by misinterpreting CDC & DEA guidelines.

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2 replies
cindisue | @cindisue | Aug 6 7:34pm
In reply to @linamend "Try a fast acting BENZODIAZEPINE, like Xanax, in stead of Valium. What are you afraid of..." + (show)
@linamend

Try a fast acting BENZODIAZEPINE, like Xanax, in stead of Valium. What are you afraid of with oxycodone? Unless you're genetically predisposed to opioid addiction, there's little chance of that happening. You need to research info about opioids instead of just listening to the the scare tactics being promulgated by "blind leading the blind" advice from physicians with absolutely NO training in pain medication. Good luck dear. 🤗

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Xanax for back muscle spasms?? I've never heard of that... Thought Xanax was just an anti-anxiety med...

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