Opioids for back spasms?

Thank you. I have downloaded 5 more articles from the scientific literature if you need them, Remember, addiction is psychological. Physical dependence means you need the drug/medication to function normally and optimally. Think "insulin" as a simple example.

Addiction and dependence are distinct concepts often confused. Dependence refers to a physical reliance on a substance, characterized by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is not used. It can occur even when a substance is used as prescribed, such as with certain medications.

Addiction is a compulsive and
uncontrollable to use a substance
despite associated consequences.

Dependence occurs as a body
physiologically adapts to a
medication. In other words,
addiction is a psychological
disorder. Whereas dependence
pertains to the physical need for
a substance to maintain normal
functioning, like insulin or
medication for epilepsy.

Pain medication works similarly.

While dependence can exist without addiction, addiction typically involves both mental and physical dependence.

I've read through all the comments up to this time (11 p.m. CST on 8/7) but no one has mentioned Baclofen. This was prescribed to me after hip replacement two months after major back surgery (I fell). For quite a while I had trouble distinguishing whether my pain was of joint, nerve, or muscle origin. That said, when I finally figured it all out, Baclofen was and is still, on occasion, a lifesaver for relief from muscular back pain. But I think that your best bet is to discuss the suggestions you've received here with your physician of choice. I sincerely hope you are able to find relief from this pain - it is so debilitating and hard to live with.
Peace and hope, Barb

@ cindisue

Many are like me and cannot take NSAIDS. I have dibilitating pain throughout my body. Tylenol does very little to quell the pain. I have been through many rounds of steroid injections. Tried Elavil and other drugs that I find I am allergic to. I take oxycodone .. it works because I take it as I need it. 2-4 5mg tablets a day. When my pain goes higher I go up to 5 tablets a day. I do ice and heat as needed and use a TENS unit to help pain too. I don't take oxycodone to just take it.

These are MY definitions:

Addiction to opiod: Taking an opiod when the drug is not needed. Either not needed at all or a less dangerous drug will work.

Dependence to opioid: Taking an opioid when it is needed for high or chronic pain and other medications have been tried and failed to control the pain or cannot be taken.

ZeeGee

Seems a muscle relaxer would be a better first choice for back muscle spasms. When I have a nasty muscle spasm my Dr gave me the muscle relaxer Tinazaidine 4mg,it calms my spasms right down. Only take as needed.

Thanks Robert. Next to a good, long massage by a very experienced masseuse, muscle relaxers would be the best drug to use.

Spasms are acute and very painful, but usually not chronic. Using a powerful pain killer like oxycodone really wouldn't help much. And someone posted about using a benzo, anti-anxiety drug, but I don't see how that would help.

Probably better to use a topical gel like Voltaren or Aspercreme I think.

Addicts have to wean off drugs slowly to avoid the misery of withdrawal. So do people who depend on these drugs. You have cited a distinction without a difference.

Good answer. Baclofen specifically treats muscle spasms. It is also much more appropriate than opiates for spasms.

Yeah if the Xanax is working, and you are aware that is a very addictive drug, please use with caution.

You are EXACTLY CORRECT. BOTH have to wean off when it's safe to do so. But that's not what was under discussion.