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4295054 tn?1352695387

Chronic Pain Syndrome

Is Chronic Pain Syndrome something that can develop from long-term use of opiate pain killers?
Best Answer
2126606 tn?1346345124
Yes, it is called Hyperalgesia. Read more about it here: http://www.opiates.com/opiates/hyperalgesia.html
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Avatar universal
Yes. If you are in recovery, as I am, it is important to know the difference between opioid dependance and opiod abuse. I am very open with all of my doctors, my sponsor, and I know that I’m never going to be pain free, so I had to learn how to cut down my dose of medication so that I don't have to increase the dose due to opioid dependence. Every morning when there is sun, the first thing I try to do is go out and move or at least sit in the sun. I have adjusted my diet to full vegan with no soy or gluten, and I recently found out that vitamin B complex works better for my neuropathy than any amount of gabapentin.
Although this condition is most often very progressive, although "Chronic Pain Syndrome" is a rather broad term that can describe numerous conditions that cause Chronic pain, and some conditions such as Fibromyalgia can actually be made worse by the use of opiates. Typically though, even people with Fibromyalgia end up with other chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and many other conditions that are all related.
I have been able to keep my pain medicine at the same dose for over 5 years now. I used to have to increase my dose in the winter, but now I just lower my breakthrough medication during the summer months when the pain is less, and come winter, I have it when I need it, and I'm not dependent on it because I lower my tolerance by cutting down my meds whenever I can. I also use CBD and MMJ for pain as well. CBD works really goood for inflammation and THC or Full Spectrum Concentrate works extremely well for the deep pain.
The best thing I can say to do if you are concerned about chronic pain leading to opioid dependence, is to do your best to remain active(as you possibly can), keep your muscles strong, and your body healthy. I stay close to support groups for addiction, and keep accountable for my usage. If I'm thinking about taking a breakthrough pill, I question myself. Is there anything else I can do to relieve this pain? I try to distract myself, I only take my medication as necessary.
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1 Comments
What on earth are you talking about?  Opiate dependence comes with taking opiates.  Even if you take them as prescribed you’re not only addicted to them but also depend on them.  Let’s not split hares you’ll become sick if you don’t take opiates if you’ve been taking them regularly.   I use to take methadone for chronic spine pain.  I also smoked weed for the pain and just to feel better.  So my opinion is based on my experience with opiates spanning over 20 years taking as prescribed.  I don’t mean to be harsh but taking opiates and smoking weed is like the exact opposite of being in recovery.  What program are you being sponsored in lol. It’s okay to need and take your medicine for chronic pain.  But to think you’re not high or medicated just isn’t true.  Your advice is under the influence so to speak.  You can’t escape getting sick by keeping your muscles strong and body healthy.  My doctor retired, then my next doctor relocated and my methadone prescription was no more.       After I tapered off I found my pain had gotten manageable and felt better.   I no longer needed the methadone for pain I found out after quitting.  So I do believe your pain medication could be making the pain worse.  You even say you take break through pain medicine if you really need it. Are you interested. In quitting the opiates?  You’ll never know if your pain has gone away if you don’t try.  You could be just taking opiates because of being addicted to them.  Anyways I couldn’t just ignore this post.   I’m a former heroin, opiate pill and methadone user who quit and this is my truth.  
4295054 tn?1352695387
Thank you!
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