Is It Safe To Use Fentanyl For Back Pain?
Brief Answer:
Fentanyl use in COPD patients can lead to complications
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
In COPD , particularly , it is better to avoid fentanyl, as respiratory depression is major issue with regards to opioid analgesics especially in old age patients.
Gabapentin or pregabalin are alternative meds that can be taken with the above mentioned conditions in place of fentanyl. You may discuss this option with your doctor.
Vertebral compression fractures should be ruled out and osteoporosis should be adequately treated if present.
Let me know if you have any query.
wishing you best of health
thanks.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Fentanyl use in COPD patients can lead to complications
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
In COPD , particularly , it is better to avoid fentanyl, as respiratory depression is major issue with regards to opioid analgesics especially in old age patients.
Gabapentin or pregabalin are alternative meds that can be taken with the above mentioned conditions in place of fentanyl. You may discuss this option with your doctor.
Vertebral compression fractures should be ruled out and osteoporosis should be adequately treated if present.
Let me know if you have any query.
wishing you best of health
thanks.
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have had 5 compression fractures. 4 large ones 3 which were repaired with Kyphoplasty. The 4th one was too badly crushed to be repaired. The 5th one was a small one. I can look up which ones if you need. I am told I only have Ostepenia and get an infusion of Reclast yearly. I am using a walker and there are times when I say out loud to myself "oh my God my back" and I have to go sit down to relieve the pain. I am not worried about becoming addicted at my age, just relief. I have thing to do and places to go.
Brief Answer:
Alternatives Explained
Detailed Answer:
hello again
Initially Bisphosphonates such as alendronates or reclast are used but if there are fractures or BMD ( Bone Mass Density ) fails to prop up then Teriparatide can be used as a replacement.
You should consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate better the severity of the compression and if you should do without further surgical intervention. Compression fractures if not treated can lead to permanent neurological deficits.
Moist hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are options that can be considered as alternatives for pain relief. Constipation, urinary or fecal retention and incontinence should be reported right away as it may indicate emergent decompression in case there is further compression of the involved vertebrae.
Static balance, dynamic balance, and exercises eg knee extension strength attainment may also be of considerable benefit. balance training for fall prevention is important and prevention measures must be taken. Physiotherapy routines would help in this regard.
Orthotics use to decrease flexion and limit spine movements to prevent the progression of kyphosis and limiting pressure points is also an option.
Please consult you doctor before opting for any of the options discussed above.
Let me know if you have any query
Thanks.
Alternatives Explained
Detailed Answer:
hello again
Initially Bisphosphonates such as alendronates or reclast are used but if there are fractures or BMD ( Bone Mass Density ) fails to prop up then Teriparatide can be used as a replacement.
You should consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate better the severity of the compression and if you should do without further surgical intervention. Compression fractures if not treated can lead to permanent neurological deficits.
Moist hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are options that can be considered as alternatives for pain relief. Constipation, urinary or fecal retention and incontinence should be reported right away as it may indicate emergent decompression in case there is further compression of the involved vertebrae.
Static balance, dynamic balance, and exercises eg knee extension strength attainment may also be of considerable benefit. balance training for fall prevention is important and prevention measures must be taken. Physiotherapy routines would help in this regard.
Orthotics use to decrease flexion and limit spine movements to prevent the progression of kyphosis and limiting pressure points is also an option.
Please consult you doctor before opting for any of the options discussed above.
Let me know if you have any query
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T