The dangerous pain pills that don’t even work

Earlier this week I warned about the dangers of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications, which millions of Americans pop like candy, aren’t nearly as safe as we’ve been led to believe. In fact, they may increase risk of heart failure by up to 20 percent.

But if you think you’re better off taking opioids for chronic pain, think again. Not only do these drugs contribute to heart and breathing problems, they are seriously addictive. And now a new study says they’re not even effective.

After looking at data from more than 2,000 people with low-back pain — nearly half of whom were taking opioids — researchers asked how successful the drugs were at relieving their pain. Only 13 percent rated opioids as “very successful.” The most common answer? “Somewhat successful,” which was how 44 percent of those interviewed rated the medication.

All those risks for such little benefit? No thank you. This is all the more reason to stick to the natural, drug-free pain management methods I told you about a few days ago. The pharmaceuticals simply aren’t worth the risk.

Source:

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). (2016, October 23). Many back pain patients get limited relief from opioids and worry about taking them, survey shows. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 14, 2016 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/10/161023154844.htm