MEDICATIONS

Medications may be prescribed for pain, inflammation and muscular discomfort related to neck or back problems.  The following information is general by design and is for educational purposes only. It is important to be evaluated and diagnosed by a health care provider before starting or stopping any medications.

The following medications are used in the treatment of spine:

• ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
• MUSCLE RELAXANTS
• NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATIONS
• NEUROPATHIC MEDICATIONS
• NON-NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATIONS
• NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs)
• STEROIDS

MEDICATION REFILL POLICY

The Center for Spine Care is available to refill prescription medications Monday through Thursday 8:00am-3:00pm, and Friday 8:00am -12:00 noon.

The Center for Spine Care recommends that patients use one pharmacy for their medications and refills. Using one pharmacy allows the pharmacist to cross reference medications and to warn of any possible drug interactions.

Please allow 24 hours for all medication refills. We prefer that patients call their pharmacy for refills.

No medications will be refilled over the weekend or after hours.

STEROIDS

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents which affect many organ systems. By reducing inflammation, pain is often reduced. Corticosteroids may be used to treat the following conditions:  arthritis, bursitis, ankylosing spondylitis, acute tenosynovitis, systemic lupus erythematosis, asthma, allergic reactions, ulcerative colitis, and exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.

Although there are many benefits to steroid use, steroids are also associated with decreased bone healing, decreased efficiency of the immune system, osteoporosis, and avascular necrosis of the hip. Steroids may be taken orally (by mouth), intramuscularly (by injection), or by injection into specific areas of the spine.

Examples include: 

NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS (NSAIDs)

Like steroids, NSAIDs are medications that are designed to reduce inflammation.  Arthritic conditions and related disorders cause the production and release of prostaglandins from cell membrane constituents. Prostaglandins cause edema, cellular exudation, and pain.  NSAIDs exert their effects primarily through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of arachadonic acid into prostaglandins. There are at least two forms of this enzyme. The COX-1 isoenzyme produces those prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining. COX-2 produces the prostaglandins that mediate an inflammatory response. Non selective NSAIDs, such as, ibuprofen and Naproxen, inhibit the activity of both COX-1 and COX-2 so they treat pain and inflammation but may damage the stomach lining.  Newer NSAIDS, that are COX-2 selective (Bextra, Celebrex, and Vioxx), have been shown to be gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause stomach or duodenal ulcers.

Examples include: 

ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

Anti-depressant medications may be used in addition to pain medications for those patients with chronic pain. It is common for patients with chronic pain to need an antidepressant medication to help them sleep, cope with mood swings, and manage their pain more effectively.  Patients should be monitored closely on these medications.

Examples include: 

MUSCLE RELAXANTS  

Muscle relaxants are indicated as an adjunct to rest and physical therapy for relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. These medications are not intended for long term use. Muscle relaxers can be sedating and, as with all sedatives, driving and alcohol intake should be restricted. 

Examples include: 

NEUROPATHIC MEDS  

Neuropathic medications treat neuralgia (nerve pain). A nerve that is compressed, pinched, or damaged may cause a “misfire”, or short circuit, of the nerve signal.  The brain interprets the short circuit as sharp, stabbing, shooting, burning, or stinging pain.  In the absence of structural damage, these medications can help with regulate neurotransmission. 

Examples include: 

NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATIONS

Analgesics or pain medications are designed to block pain. Narcotic pain medications are necessary for those patients suffering from severe pain.

Narcotics are highly addictive and have significant side effects. These medications should be taken cautiously. We recommend that you do not drive while taking these medications.

The Center for Spine Care does not prescribe long term pain medications. Patients who require long term narcotic use will be referred to a pain management physician.

Examples include: 

NON-NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATIONS

Non-narcotic pain medications are also analgesics.  They are designed to block the pain signal relayed to the brain via the nervous system.  Tylenol (generic name – acetaminophen) is the most well-known non-narcotic, over-the-counter medication.  Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle for dosing this medication which may be harmful to the liver if overdosed. An adult should not consume more than 3000 mg. of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in a 24 hour period which is equivalent to 6-8 extra strength Tylenol.

Examples include: 

DISCLAIMER

Centerforspinecare.com does not provide medical advice.  Information on this site is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only.  The information is NOT medical advice and no physician/patient relationship is created by virtue of the information provided on centerforspinecare.com.  The content is, in no way, intended to substitute for consulting a medical professional. 

While reasonable attempts are made to ascertain the accuracy of this general information, no representation or warranty is made by Center for Spine Care as to the accuracy of the information.  We do not assume liability for any of the content of the material presented on the website.  The decision to rely on information found on the website or a linked website is solely at your own risk.

Center for Spine Care does not and cannot provide specific medical advice through this website or by e-mail in response to any inquiry that you may make.  If you have a specific medical problem or specific medical inquiry, it is important that you contact your personal physician and seek professional medical advice which is focused on your individual situation.  Never disregard medical advice as a result of something which you may have read on the centerforspinecare.com website.  Centerforspinecare.com accepts no liability for injury or damage resulting from your decision to use any product, information or instruction found on the website or on sites linked to the website.

Center for Spine Care welcomes an opportunity to provide you with medical services, and if you wish to make an appointment, please contact our office in person or by telephone at 214-378-7200.