Back Pain and Depression Combo Lessens Pain Relief from Narcotic Painkillers
Back Pain and Depression Combo Lessens Pain Relief from Narcotic Painkillers
People with mental health illness are also more at risk of drug misuse, study says
Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a physiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said, "Using narcotics to treat chronic back pain in patients with a history of a psychiatric disorder may not be effective in decreasing the pain."
In addition, patients with a history of anxiety or depression can have an increased risk of addiction to pain medication versus a person without a psychiatric history, she said.
"This is due to the effect of narcotic medications on the neurohormonal balance. It is important for physicians treating back pain to inquire about a patient's psychiatric history prior to initiating treatment. A team approach is also vital, using experts such as psychiatrists and psychologists to assist in managing the patient," Shrikhande said.
Dr. Scott Krakower is the assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y. He said, "Narcotic painkillers are a temporary 'band-aid' and often exacerbate the problem."
With the rates of narcotic addiction on the rise, doctors should be mindful of other treatments available to patients for chronic back pain, he said. In addition, conditions such as depression and anxiety should themselves be treated, which in turn will make relieving back pain more effective, he added.
"This study reinforces the importance of screening for coexisting conditions and treating them effectively," Krakower said. "If the anxiety and mood symptoms diminish, then there is a better chance of relieving pain in the long run."
Drugs Less Effective For Back Pain, Depression
People with mental health illness are also more at risk of drug misuse, study says
Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a physiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said, "Using narcotics to treat chronic back pain in patients with a history of a psychiatric disorder may not be effective in decreasing the pain."
In addition, patients with a history of anxiety or depression can have an increased risk of addiction to pain medication versus a person without a psychiatric history, she said.
"This is due to the effect of narcotic medications on the neurohormonal balance. It is important for physicians treating back pain to inquire about a patient's psychiatric history prior to initiating treatment. A team approach is also vital, using experts such as psychiatrists and psychologists to assist in managing the patient," Shrikhande said.
Dr. Scott Krakower is the assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y. He said, "Narcotic painkillers are a temporary 'band-aid' and often exacerbate the problem."
With the rates of narcotic addiction on the rise, doctors should be mindful of other treatments available to patients for chronic back pain, he said. In addition, conditions such as depression and anxiety should themselves be treated, which in turn will make relieving back pain more effective, he added.
"This study reinforces the importance of screening for coexisting conditions and treating them effectively," Krakower said. "If the anxiety and mood symptoms diminish, then there is a better chance of relieving pain in the long run."