Chronic pain is a way of life for more than 100 million adults in the U.S., affecting people than the combined total of those dealing with heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Illnesses such as arthritis cause joints to become progressively more painful and lower back problems are very common. Sometimes the pain itself becomes the problem, as in cases involving neuropathy and migraines.
Overuse of Prescription Painkillers
It’s well-known that prescription painkillers are over-prescribed and overused. There have been many news reports of celebrities getting into trouble because of their chronic and illegal use of these dangerous drugs. A study of young adults found that 27% of those with prescription painkillers had “diverted their medication” by selling it on the street.
Over 52 million American have used prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. It’s easy to become hooked since painkillers tend to become less effective as time goes on. The body requires more to achieve the same pain relief.
Non-Prescription Painkillers are Also Abused and Can be Dangerous
Simply because a painkiller can be purchased over-the-counter does not mean that it’s safe. Many people suffering from chronic pain don’t pay attention to the dosage instructions on the bottle and keep popping pills, hoping for pain relief.
Overdosing on non-prescription painkillers can result in serious liver damage, ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. Some people die from these problems or from an overdose. Pain sufferers aren’t unaware of this but downplay how this could affect them personally. In a recent survey, about 43% of adults over 30 said that they had taken more than the recommended dose of an over-the-counter painkiller at least once. Probably, most had done so on numerous occasions.
The survey also found that 66% of those suffering from chronic pain had been in this situation for at least two years. However, only 12% of those people had been formally diagnosed as having chronic pain.
Taking painkillers will not cure chronic pain. Instead of prolonging the pain, visit a Pain Clinic and explore better methods to manage the pain. In the Orange County region of California, the experienced doctors at the Aspire Pain Medical Center will evaluate your condition. There are many innovative options for effective pain management other than surgery, such as stem cell therapy. Take the first step toward a much better life. Call this well-regarded Pain Clinic today. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates.
