I read a recent article/editorial in the local newspaper about how our state is reflecting the statistic from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the sharp increase in deaths connected to the overdose of prescription-drugs (Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6/11/14, Views & Voices). And unfortunately, powerful opioid-based narcotic painkillers such as hydrocodone and oxycodone are examples of prescription-drugs involved in the reported fatalities. I wouldn’t be surprised if a certain percentage of patients used such drugs to relieve their back pain. According to the newspaper article, prescription-drug misuse by actual patients, abuse by recreational users and the over prescribing by some doctors, are factors that contribute to this “current public health crisis.” I guess one of the major issue is that our society is so dependent on such powerful opioid-based prescription-drugs to get relief from pain, including back pain. So, is there a solution? Well, I’m sure there’s no quick fix, however, check out this article from the Fox Newswebsite. It contains an interview with Dr. Patrick Roth, a neurosurgeon, and his refreshing view on back pain.
A new approach to understanding back pain
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting almost 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lives. Neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Roth believes many people are taking the wrong approach to back pain. Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor of FoxNews.com recently sat down with Roth, author of ‘The End of Back Pain.’ According to Roth, sometimes back pain actually has very little to do with the back.”
Read more …
Did you read the rest of the article? If not, you should. Also, the article has a link to Dr. Roth’s website and an opportunity to order his book. I have not read his book yet, but it must be pretty good and medically sound in order to get a thumbs up from the Cleveland Clinic. The article goes on to say how our bodies have natural healing abilities, and that we should work with that in mind when looking for treatments for back pain.
