Case: Glen          

First Visit - Symptom Control: Oral Medication - Prescription (opioid) analgesics

Click on a symptom control below.

Acetaminophen NSAID Oral steroids Muscle relaxants (or benzodiazepines) Prescription (opioid) analgesics Colchicine Antidepressants No oral medication

May/may not be an appropriate management option for Glen. In patients with severe sciatica a short course of prescription analgesics may be an option (guided by comorbidity, risks, benefits and side-effects). However, opioids appear to be no more effective in relieving LBP than are safer analgesics given on a fixed schedule. Decreased reaction time, clouded judgment, drowsiness and other complications can lead to early discontinuation in up to 35% of patients. There is also a potential for physical dependence.