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What Causes Lower Back Pain?

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Posted on Tue, 2 Dec 2014
Question: I am having lower back pain, it has gotten increasingly worse over the last few days. I was a heroin addict for 10 years, but have been off of drugs/methadone treatment for over a year now. I have been drinking 3 to 4 beers every night since getting off the clinic. My mouth is also dry and has a strange taste to it.
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Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
back pain related to oppiods or not

Detailed Answer:
Hello, i have gone through your question and understand your concern.

Oppioids are known to have different adverse effects due to their dependency, tolerance and modulation of oppioid receptors, which are very important on pain perception. While these effect are generally seen mostly on the first days, in chronic abusers there are some reports stating that these changes persist months after the use.

You are expierencing the pain lately, so this may also be something unrelated to your previous drug attitude. Still, this can be seen also as a triger condition which your past history may have modulated the pain receptors, so your pain may be disproportional. You can take some mild pain relief such as paracetamol (be aware, no codeine) and if the symptoms gets worse or involve legs or sphincters you should have a ct scan.

Hope this answers your question, please feel free for any other question.

Wishing you good health
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Geldon Fejzo

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 337 Questions

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What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Brief Answer: back pain related to oppiods or not Detailed Answer: Hello, i have gone through your question and understand your concern. Oppioids are known to have different adverse effects due to their dependency, tolerance and modulation of oppioid receptors, which are very important on pain perception. While these effect are generally seen mostly on the first days, in chronic abusers there are some reports stating that these changes persist months after the use. You are expierencing the pain lately, so this may also be something unrelated to your previous drug attitude. Still, this can be seen also as a triger condition which your past history may have modulated the pain receptors, so your pain may be disproportional. You can take some mild pain relief such as paracetamol (be aware, no codeine) and if the symptoms gets worse or involve legs or sphincters you should have a ct scan. Hope this answers your question, please feel free for any other question. Wishing you good health