Non-opioid medications help reduce chronic pain symptoms without the risks and side effects associated with regular medication. They aim to target different mechanisms in the body to reduce pain and inflammation.

At Spinal Diagnostics, we specialize in providing non-opioid medications tailored to your specific needs. We prioritize providing comprehensive and personalized care for multiple back and neck conditions.

Our experienced team will work closely with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, including non-opioid medications, to effectively manage your pain while minimizing the potential risks.

Pain management is multidimensional, and non-opioid medications are just one aspect of an ideal treatment plan. Physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions may also be incorporated to provide comprehensive care and optimize your well-being.

If you want to learn more about our multidisciplinary approach to managing pain, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment online. 

Non-opioid medications offer multiple benefits besides pain management. These include:

• Reduced risk of addiction: Unlike regular medications, non-opioid alternatives are not associated with the risk of addiction or dependence. 
• Improved functionality: By alleviating pain, reducing inflammation, and enhancing your mobility, non-opioid medication can help you recover your quality of life.
• Fewer side effects: While side effects can still occur, the ones associated with non-opioid medication are significantly less severe and better tolerated.

At Spinal Diagnostics, we offer a variety of non-opioid medications that help reduce pain, swelling, and mobility issues for multiple conditions:

1. Muscle Relaxants

As the name suggests, muscle relaxants aim to relieve pain by eliminating the muscle tension around the spine and neck. By doing so, stiffness gradually disappears, and your range of mobility is recovered.

Common examples include cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), tizanidine (Zanaflex), and carisoprodol (Soma). With the easing of muscle stiffness, your range of motion can significantly improve, while discomfort decreases. Muscle relaxants can be particularly useful in cases of acute back or neck pain, muscle spasms, strains, and injuries

2. Anti-inflammatory Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce swelling, decrease inflammation, and alleviate pain associated with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, cervical facet joint arthritis, and muscle strains. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include medication such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

These medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for both inflammation and pain. NSAIDs can effectively help reduce acute pain and promote the healing process, even in cases of chronic pain

3. Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a potent anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce swelling associated with spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or joint inflammation. This medication can be administered orally, topically, or through injections.

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates the immune response and reduces inflammation. These medications can be administered as oral tablets, topically in creams and gels, or through injections, such as epidural steroid injections directly into the area around the spinal nerves.

Non-opioid medications can be particularly effective for those who:

• Want to avoid the potential side effects and risks associated with opioids
• Have experienced ineffectiveness from traditional pain medications
• Have a history of substance abuse

Like any medication, non-opioids may have potential side effects. These are usually well-tolerated and easily manageable. These include:

• Gastrointestinal issues like gastritis can be avoided by taking medication and foods that ease discomfort
• Allergic reactions due to the medication components
• Potential effects due to interactions with other medications

Your doctor may combine the use of non-opioids with other pain management options, like therapies and lifestyle changes.

At Spinal Diagnostics, we focus on spinal and neuropathic pain management. Our team of specialists is a recognized leader in clinical research and offers you updated diagnostic processes and treatment options.

We have dedicated our practice to improving our patient’s quality of life without using opiate medications or traditional spine surgery. Over ten years of experience makes us the top choice for those with back and neck pain.