Are Opioid Painkillers Safe To Relieve Chronic Pain?
Pain is almost inevitably part of the picture if you've just had surgery or have a health problem. Pain relievers can make you function better and help you cope with the severe pain you experience, but they will not eliminate it. What are opioids exactly? Opioids are prescription medications with analgesic properties that provide a euphoric effect. They act on neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for pain control. The opioid family is significant; for example, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl and codeine are found. Opioids are commonly used pain relievers. They can be helpful if the pain is severe but short-lived - for example, after surgery to repair a broken bone. And they can also help you manage pain if you have a disease like cancer. But be aware that opioids are strong medications usually not suitable for the long-term relief of persistent pain, such as rheumatic pain, low back pain, or frequent headaches. These pains are "chronic", and b