Tramadol or Herbs to reduce pain?

Sydney, Australia (ContentDesk) July 14, 2004 -- More and more pain sufferers are turning to traditional alternatives such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and meditation. In addition to pain relief, these alternatives are seen to provide general health benefits without serious side effects. This article examines some of the popular treatment options. The ancient Chinese Practice of acupuncture is based on the belief that health is determined by the level of chi (vital life energy) that is in the body. This energy is thought to move through the body through pathways called meridians, which connect to specific organs in the body.

Acupuncturists insert needles into points on the body that connect to these channels to release blocked "chi" that might be the cause of pain. During treatment, the acupuncturist inserts thin needles for anywhere from a few minutes to a half an hour into specific points on the body. This practice is thought to stimulate endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and is useful for the treatment of a variety of disorders including backache, sinus pain, jaw pain, spinal disorders, withdrawal and mental disorders. Also known as "contact healing", acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture, except hand-pressure and finger pressure is applied to specific points on the body to release neurotransmitters that alleviate pain.Another aspect of traditional Chinese medicine is herbal medicine. Herbs have been used for centuries for their pain relieving qualities.

Here are some herbs that are recommended for common disorders: Cramps & Spasms: angelica, cramp bar, kava, rosemary. Nerve Pain: capsaicin, chamomile, gotu kola, licorice. Back Pain: hops, wood betony, passionflower. Migraine: feverfew, linden, skullcap. Headaches: peppermint, spearmint.

Joint pain: ginger, sea cucumber. Aromatherapy (sniffing or applying essential oils) is yet another popular option. Aromatherapy is thought to change an individual's brain chemistry so that pleasurable neuro-transmitters are released to relieve pain. Geranium, jasmine, juniper, lavender, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme are oils commonly used for this purpose. Homeopathy, which has been popularized by the British Royal Family since Victorian times is based on the principle of "like repels like." The theory is that miniscule amounts of chemicals, irritants or elements that mimic or resemble the main ailment will send a large message to the brain to repel pain and discomfort.Meditation, which has also been practiced for thousands of years, is a conscious attempt to calm the mind so that it is not cluttered with thoughts and anxieties that might be contributing to an unnecessary belief in the existence of pain.

There are hundreds of different meditation techniques, but mostly they all into three categories: concentrative, mindful and transcendental meditation. During concentrative meditation, focusing on a single sound, object or one's breath, produces a tranquil mind that facilitates the production of pain-relieving endorphins. During mindful meditations, the mind is encouraged to become aware of, but not reactive to thoughts, feelings and sensations in order to achieve a tranquil state of mind. During transcendental meditation, the mind settles down to a state that transcends thought altogether. Therapies that focus on the mind are becoming increasingly popular.

Guided Imagery research has indicated that bodily functions that were previously thought to be beyond conscious control, such as chronic pain, can be controlled through the use of visualization. Guided imagery encourages the sufferer to think in pictures that eliminate negative thoughts thus raising levels of pleasurable brain chemicals, such as serotonin, decreasing anxiety and increasing the effectiveness of the immune system. Through guided imagery, the mind conjures up mental scenes in order to better direct the body's energy. For instance, if an individual is suffering from a stabbing pain, he or she might want to imagine a knife being removed from the spot and a subsequent glowing feeling of relief. The current popularity of traditional treatments is likely to continue for some time.

Even major pharmaceutical manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon by manufacturing such herbs as willow bark and feverfew and marketing them as natural alternatives to ibuprofen and aspirin. It is important to note that the above suggestions do not represent cures for conditions, but more represent strategies and opportunities to manage your chronic pain. It is also recommended that you consult with your health practitioner before embarking on any new pain management program.About rx-site.com:rx-site.com offers medical information, resources and articles on various health topics including pain relief and weight loss. http://www.rx-site.com/tramadol-fioricet-alternatives.htmlYou have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. Web publishers must include a hyperlink to the URL provided..

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tramadol?

Seizures have been reported as a rare side effect of treatment with tramadol. The risk of seizures may be increased in patients who have any of the conditions or are taking any of the medications listed below: Do not take tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you

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have a history of seizures or epilepsy;

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have a head injury;

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have a metabolic disorder;

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have a central nervous system infection;

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are experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal;

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are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), and others;

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are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate);

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are taking a psychiatric medication such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), loxapine (Loxitane), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), thiothixene (Navane), and others;

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are taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or citalopram (Celexa);

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are taking a narcotic pain reliever such as codeine, fentanyl (Duragesic), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, others), morphine (MS Contin, MSIR, RMS, Roxanol, others), oxycodone (Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, others), propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet, others), and others;

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are taking promethazine (Phenergan) or prochlorperazine (Compazine);

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are taking sibutramine (Meridia);

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are taking bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban); or

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are taking cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).

Before taking tramadol, tell your doctor if you have

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kidney disease;

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liver disease; or

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a history of alcohol or drug dependence.

You may not be able to take tramadol, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Tramadol is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether tramadol passes into breast milk. Do not take tramadol without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 75 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from tramadol. The maximum daily dose of tramadol for people over 75 years of age is 300 mg.

Tramadol is not approved by the FDA for use by children younger than 16 years of age.

More here

Treating Chronic Pain and RSD

The goal of treatment is pain control and as much mobilization of the affected limb as possible. An individualized treatment plan is designed during your doctor visit, which often combines physical therapy, medications, nerve blocks, and psychosocial support.

Medication Medications are prescribed to control pain. The type of pain experienced by the patient determines the type of medication prescribed. For information on obtaining low cost or free medicines please click here.

Constant pain caused by inflammation is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, indomethacin). Constant pain not caused by inflammation is treated with central acting agents such as tramadol (Ultram®). Stabbing pain and pain that disrupts sleep are treated with antidepressants such as amytriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and trazodone. Oral lidocaine, a somewhat experimental treatment for RSD/CRPS, also may be prescribed. Sudden sharp pain may be treated with anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazapine, gabapentin). Generalized, severe pain that does not respond to other medications may be treated with opioids (e.g., oxycontin, hydrocodnone, propoxyphine, codeine, morphine). Muscle cramps (spasms and dystonia) can be treated with clonazepam and baclofen. Localized pain related to nerve injury may be treated with Capsaicin® cream, but its effectiveness has not been proven. Medications that block selected actions of the sympathetic nervous system, such as clonidine (Catapres®, available in oral and patch formulations), can be useful in some cases. One of the main drugs used, Neurontin, was the focus of a recent 20/20 epose' article. For details look here

Muscles stiffness may be treated with muscle relaxants such as

Tizanidine (Zanaflex®) Baclofen Clonazepam (Klonopin®) Physical Therapy Physical therapy should include daily range of motion exercises. Patients should be advised to avoid activities that could accelerate osteoporosis or joint injury.

Nerve Block

Sympathetic nerve block interrupts the transmission of pain signals from a group of nerve cell bodies (called a ganglion). When treating an upper extremity, it is called a stellate ganglion block. A small needle is used to inject an alpha adrenergic antagonist alongside the windpipe. When treating a lower extremity the nerve block is performed in the lower (lumbar).

The procedure, usually performed by an anesthesiologist familiar with the technique, involves the insertion of a needle into the appropriate location and the injection of anesthesia into the ganglion. The effect is monitored over time.

Sympathectomy Patients who have a good but temporary response to nerve block may be candidates for sympathectomy. The goal of surgery is suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity in the affected area.

TENS Unit

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit may be used to treat the affected area. In some cases, spinal cord stimulators are implanted permanently to supply a low intensity impulse to a location in the spinal cord in an attempt to interrupt the pain signals that are being transmitted to the brain.

Psychosocial Support RSD/CRPS patients often become depressed and anxious because of chronic pain and loss of physical ability. Counseling, support groups, and chronic pain center programs help patients learn coping strategies and provide emotional and psychological support.

 

Jim O'Keefe is a serial entrepeneur and the owner of several websites including www.aboutrsd.com, www.theparentaladvocate.com and www.mymillionairefriend.com

Is Tramadol addictive?

Help! I'm Addicted to the Painkillers I Bought Online!

Q: Hi. I am definitely addicted to tramadol (Ultram). I have tried to stop the drug several times, but the withdrawal symptoms are so unbearable (depression; diarrhea; lethargy; sweats; aching body much more worse than ever before taking the drug, especially upon wakng up in the morning; irritability; increase in tremor), that I get through a day or two and then I know that just "one" will take the withdrawal symptoms away, so back on the drug again!!! I know I am addicted (been buying the drug over the net from Thailand). I started taking the drug for aches and pains because it was "non-narcotic" and "non-habit forming - yeah right!!!!! (I have no medical insurance at this time). Well, for me, it also produces a "euphoric" type of feeling, like I can get more accomplished when I take it. However, I had no problem getting things done before I ever took the drug!!! I noticed you have "Ultram" listed under the "Treatment" heading (first paragraph), and so now I know I am not abnormal (I guess this must be addictive for many people!!!). At any rate, I really do want to quit taking this drug. I also have essential tremor (familial - mother had it) and am taking diazepam for the tremor (about 10 mg/day, no more than 20 mg/day, and that's only if I am going to be in a very uncomfortable social situation). I can even go without the diazepam. When I have tried to stop using the tramadol (Ultram), my head tremor gets worse. If I could, I would just hide at home for a week or so and detox; I would have no problem doing that, but I have to function for work, day-to-day LIFE, etcetera (no vacation time, and Monday comes around pretty quickly, hence me only getting through two days of trying to detox). Please............Do you have any suggestions on herbs, etcetera to help ease withdrawal from tramadol?.......just so I can function somewhat during the detox/withdrawal period. Also, do you have any experience with other cases of withdrawal from this drug, and if so.........how long do the extreme symptoms last? Thank you so much for your time. T.S.

A: Right on, T.S.. It's great that you can admit you have a problem with it.

While browsing online, I was pretty amazed by how many addictive prescription drugs you could buy illegally. The websites said, "comes in a discrete package," and "nobody needs to know!" I understand that sometimes people are recommended drugs that are embarassing to be on… but the dangers here are misuse, addiction, and overdose.

If I can beat an old drum for a minute, drugs should be prescribed by doctors, and chinese herbs by acupuncturist/herbalists. As you know from your experience, it's dangerous to treat yourself- even doctors shouldn't do that.

However, there are some legitimate websites that allow you to buy your prescriptions online. They require a doctor's prescription, as they should. The main advantage of using an online pharmacy is much lower prices than your local drugstore. Check out Imported Drugs.com.

It's not my place to recommend what to do with meds that are already being taken... even though it's a little different when you're taking self-prescribed, illegally-purchased meds. It's best to work with an MD and an acupuncturist/herbalist. What the literature suggests is:

Quitting Ultram One should TAPER off the Ultram rather than just suddenly stopping. That means reducing the dosage gradually over a number of days or weeks.

Herbs and Acupuncture for Withdrawal from Addictive Drugs NADA (the proven ear acupuncture detox protocol - more about that in my article on Acupuncture and Addiction) could make the withdrawal period easier. So would the formulas:

Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Bupleurum Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell) and Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum)

The first one (Chai Hu Long Gu Mu Li Tang) would be better for someone with a tremor disorder. Neither formula should be taken longer than a couple of months.

Instead of Painkilling Drugs... Your prospects in the future for treating the aches and pains and tremor would be great with acupuncture and chinese herbs. I would suggest you find an acupuncturist in your area and see them for at least a few months.

Anything else you need, please let me know!

All the best, Brian

Acupuncturist, herbalist, and medical professor Brian B. Carter founded the alternative health megasite The Pulse of Oriental Medicine (http://www.PulseMed.org/). He is the author of the book "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (November, 2004). Brian speaks on radio across the country, and has been quoted and interviewed by Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines.

What must I know about Tramadol

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Seizures have been reported as a rare side effect of treatment with tramadol. The risk of seizures may be increased in patients who take more than the prescribed dose, have a history of seizures or epilepsy, have head trauma, have a metabolic disorder, have a central nervous system infection, are experiencing alcohol or drug withdrawal, or are taking certain medications. Talk to your doctor about factors that may increase the risk of seizures during treatment.

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Do not drink alcohol while taking tramadol. Alcohol may cause a dangerous decrease in breathing and/or liver problems when used during treatment with tramadol.

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Tramadol may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

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Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. If the pain is not being controlled, talk to your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of this medication could result in seizures or decreased breathing.