8 Mistakes That Make Pain Worse

8 Mistakes That Make Pain Worse


5. You're wary of narcotics


So it's no wonder that many pain sufferers prefer to play it safe with OTC pain relievers. Even some physicians avoid narcotics for fear of being punished for overprescribing them. But the reality is, most people in pain aren't going to get addicted to or die from pain meds. And the benefits of taking them are immense—when you're in less pain, you can be more active and speed your recovery.

Get relief: Most doctors start patients on low doses of opioids and require check-in evaluations every 3 or 4 weeks to make sure the medication is working well. If you experience that "drugged" feeling in the beginning, don't worry—it'll go away in a few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Take the drug only as prescribed—don't increase the dose or combine it with other types of drugs, such as muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety drugs, unless you've talked with your doctor.

All that said, there are some people who may be predisposed to addiction. If you've had a problem with alcohol or drugs in the past, you'll have to be monitored even more closely by your doctor. Signs of addiction include feeling compulsive about taking the drug, being unable to control how much you take, and showing no signs of improvement.

Published May 2012, Prevention

Back 4. Your first instinct is surgery

Next 6. You haven't tried natural remedies

Recommended For You
recommended by Zergnet