How to Manage Your Low Back Pain without Opioids

By: Elisabeth Flannery, PT, DPT, CSCS

Low back pain can significantly impact your life both at home and at work. The pain can be enough to drive many patients to see a doctor about their symptoms. After an initial consultation, patients may receive a referral to physical therapy to manage their symptoms; however, despite a referral, some patients do not believe physical therapy can truly help manage their pain.

Those in pain may avoid movement for fear of increasing “damage” to the low back; however immobilization and constant rest leads to weaker muscles and decreased ability for stabilizing muscles to support the spine. Another reason for this belief is that changes in body structure and reduced symptoms may take weeks or even months to notice with targeted, daily, progressive exercise and patients may be unwilling to wait for the positive effects of exercise due to limited health education or constant, severe pain.

Patients may experience quick symptom relief with prescription opioids, but many individuals are unaware of long-term opioid addiction risk. Prescription opioids may initially improve exercise and activity tolerance after an injury; however, medication should be tapered as soon as possible to avoid prolonged use with masking effects, which can lead to addiction.

To avoid addiction and long-term opioid use, consider the following three tips:

  1. Talk to your doctor about decreasing prescription opioid use while increasing exercise dosage as prescribed by your physical therapist. This will help you transition to healthier management of your condition through the body’s internal processes.
  2. Consult with your physical therapist to learn appropriate exercises to manage your condition. Promoting painful movements can increase joint inflammation and prolong the recovery process.
  3. Keep moving within pain-free limits! Exercise regularly to produce “natural opioids” through movement to produce similar long-term pain management as prescription opioids. Extended exercise-based symptom management can cause longer-lasting, more permanent changes with fewer side effects than extended opioid use.

If you need help developing an exercise program to recover from an injury, Sheltering Arms therapists can help you. Click here to learn more.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Sleep Well, Live Well!

It is no secret that a full night of quality sleep is important for the day ahead. However, did you know that sleep represents a critical period of recovery and can have an effect on your perception of pain, cardiovascular health, and ability to heal? If you are recovering from an injury or dealing with a chronic condition, this is important stuff! Yet, approximately one third of people in the U.S. suffer from sleep disturbances, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers inadequate sleep to be a public health concern.

Staying Busy When You’re Bored: Getting Out Into the Community

As we age, staying engaged and finding new hobbies can be challenging, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Boredom, loneliness, and stress often stem from a lack of connection, and getting involved in the community can be a powerful remedy. Whether you want to give back, explore new interests, meet people, or learn something new, there are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to stay active and connected.

Pelvic Floor Exercises You Can Do At Home

If you have suffered from a pelvic floor dysfunction, then a pelvic floor exercise routine, commonly referred to as Kegel exercises, might be what you need to help strengthen these muscles.

Weight-Bearing Interventions In Stroke Recovery

Experiencing a stroke can lead to motor impairments, including hemiparesis, which is a weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These impairments can often impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, driving, walking, and using the restroom. Traditionally, physical and occupational therapy focus on helping people adapt to these changes; however, research is now recommending methods that help recover function. Weight-bearing, or putting weight on an individual’s affected arm or leg, supports stroke recovery by helping the brain and body work better together to improve balance, coordination, and strength.

Making Your Bathroom Safer

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it’s often the most hazardous—especially for those with mobility challenges, balance issues, or those recovering from injury or surgery. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can significantly improve the safety of your bathroom and make your daily routines more comfortable and confident. Here are some practical tips to help you create a safer, smarter space.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.