Pain Management & Opioid FAQs
Aug 22, 2016
We’ve already discussed the basics of opioids in previous articles so we won’t go over those questions here. In this article, we are going to answer some of the more advanced opioid questions that many patients have.
Yes. Some opioids do lower blood pressure. Opioids work to depress your central nervous system – which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate. It should be noted that pain often raises blood pressure, so opioids can often counteract this.
Long-term opioid abuse can have a negative impact on your short-term memory. This is another reason why it’s important not to overuse opioid drugs and to seek other pain management options for long-term care.
There is no definitive proof that opioids cause cancer. However, recent research has shown mounting evidence that prolonged opioid use may lead to the development of cancer.
Taking opioids in regulated amounts will not necessarily lead to addiction. That being said, opioid medications can be extremely addictive (that is why they are controlled substances and you can’t just buy them over the counter). Predicting opioid addiction is difficult because each patient is so different. But you should always take your opioid medications according to your doctor’s recommendations, and keep an eye out for any of the common addiction warning signs.
The pain management physicians at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN are well versed in the benefits and side effects of opioids. If you have any questions about the opioids you are taking or you are looking for pain relief, contact us today to set up your appointment. Our pain doctors have been treating patients in the Twin Cities metro area for the past twenty years. Call our Edina pain clinic today to schedule an appointment and get back on the road to living a pain-free life.