Using Tramadol To Treat Chronic Low-back Pain

Low-back pain is very common. The lower area of the back is made up of several vertebrae, disks of soft cartilage, joints, muscles, ligaments and nerve tissue. Its function is to connect the upper area of the chest and arms to the lower area of the pelvis and legs, providing the power and strength to stand, walk and lift, and the mobility to bend, turn and twist. If the lower back is not functioning well, almost every daily activity is affected.

Research evidence suggests that up to 85% of people will experience pain in this area of the back at some point in their lives. In most cases, the pain passes quite quickly, easing within no more than four to six weeks and allowing the same degree of mobility as previously enjoyed. But some estimates have pain persisting for one year or longer in up to 30% of all cases.

If pain does persist and significantly impairs mobility, painkillers of increasing strength may be required to allow everyday life to continue. The use of mild analgesics over time is not a problem but, if you feel that something stronger is necessary, it may be necessary to take one of the opioids such as tramadol. The difficulty is that, taken over time, any opioid may become habit forming. It is therefore necessary to balance the effectiveness of the drug against the risk that you may become addicted to it.

Published at the end of 2007, a Cochrane Review examined a number of randomized, double-blind studies involving some 950 participants into the use of oral opioids to treat low-back pain. The studies either compared tramadol (an atypical opioid) to a placebo or a morphine-based opioid to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as naproxen for more than one month. Studies comparing different opioids were excluded from the review. Without exception, all those receiving an opioid reported a reduction in the level of pain experienced and an improvement in their ability to continue their everyday lives. This does not mean that there was any change in the mobility of the back itself. None of the painkilling drugs on the market have any direct effect on the joints or musculature to relieve stiffness or restore function. All that happens is that people are better able to move within their physical limitations without the accompanying pain.

The authors of the Review therefore conclude that the use of tramadol for short-term pain relief is safe and effective. Although a small percentage of people reported mild headaches and an occasional feeling of nausea, there are no adverse side effects for the vast majority of people taking this drug. It may be considered a reliable response to moderate to severe low-back pain. But there are no formal studies examining the long-term management of low-back pain using opioids. Thus, their use should always be discussed with your physician if you propose to take it over any extended period. The fact that some people become dependent on tramadol is well documented. So you should combine drug therapy with other forms of treatment to reduce the risk of addiction while continuing to lead a relatively normal life. Used wisely, tramadol will give you the relief from pain while your back problems are resolved (to the extent that medical science can resolve them).

By: John Scott

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John Scott has shared his vision on numerous subjects throughout the years working with www.tramadolbliss.com/blog/?p=3 on a frequent basis. You can see most of his professional contributions there.

What is Tramadol

Tramadol

Generic Name: tramadol (TRAM a dol)
Brand Names: Ultram, Ultram ER
What is tramadol?













Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about tramadol

You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking tramadol. You may be more likely to have a seizure while taking tramadol if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Take tramadol exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of tramadol in one day.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms of a tramadol overdose may include drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, feeling light-headed, fainting, or coma. Tramadol may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tramadol should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Tramadol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not stop using tramadol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, chills, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, or breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Do not crush the tramadol tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Using this medicine by inhalation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.
Before taking tramadol

You should not take tramadol if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol, if you are currently intoxicated (drunk), or if you have recently used any of the following drugs:


alcohol;


narcotic pain medicine;


sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium);


medicine for depression or anxiety;


medicine for mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia); or


street drugs.


Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Your risk of a seizure may be higher if you have any of these conditions:


a history of drug or alcohol addiction;


a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder;


a history of head injury;


a metabolic disorder; or


if you are also taking an antidepressant, muscle relaxer, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.


Talk with your doctor about your individual risk of having a seizure while taking tramadol.

Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:


kidney disease;


liver disease;


a stomach disorder; or


a history of depression, mental illness, or suicide attempt.


If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take tramadol.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tramadol may also cause serious or fatal side effects in a newborn if the mother uses the medication during pregnancy or labor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Tramadol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Tramadol should not be given to a child younger than 18 years of age.

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