The Risks of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Back Pain Care

Prescription and non-prescription pain medications are generally considered safe and effective for mild to moderate pain that is not chronic. A temporary strain is not a cause for surgical intervention. However, patients with painful back conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs usually receive only temporary and relatively ineffective relief from these medications. In addition, as we’ve seen in the news, their use over the long term can pose significant risks such as addiction or over-reliance, as well as bleeding propensities or liver damage. Even other pain interventions, like receiving medication shots into the spine, have risks and offer only temporary relief. Fortunately, laser spine surgery can be a permanent solution to this kind of back pain. Even better, with the eDiscSculpt Technique, surgery is much less invasive than traditional spine surgery, because the laser takes the place of the scalpel. There is much less bleeding with this type of surgery, and surrounding tissues are not injured. There are still risks, of course, but far fewer than with traditional open back surgery.

If you're in the New York or New Jersey area, visit the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery & Pain Center. Medical Director Dr. Sukdeb Datta MD, DABPM, FIPP, DABIPP is an expert in this field with an extensive background in pain management and relief and a specific focus on the spine. Click here to find the Datta Endoscopic office nearest you.