Tramadol for relief from chronic pain
Tramadol is a narcotic pain reliever that is often prescribed for a moderate to moderately severe pain in adults. The drug Tramadol is a synthetic analogue of codeine which has less potential for abuse compared to other opioid agonists. It works in brain where it alters body’s response to the pain. The mechanism of action is through binding to a special receptor known as μ-opioid receptor in spinal cord and brain. This way it helps in inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Which in turn blocks the pain signalling at nerve level such a way that body experiences less pain due to the physical condition of body it is suffering from.
How Tramadol can be used for chronic pain:
Tramadol is available in various strengths and forms. It is available in different formulation such as,
Immediate-release form of Tramadol: Tramadol is available as tablet that is prescribed to be taken orally every 4-6 hrs as required. It is mainly prescribed in case of chronic pain such as sciatica, back pain and post-operative pain followed by spine surgery. Immediate release form is best suitable for patients who do no not require 24-hour pain relief.
Extended-release Tramadol: Tramadol ER (Extended release) tablets contains more medication than a regular dose. The ER form is formulated to release the drug in body gradually over a 24 hour period and should be strictly taken once a day. These formulations are designed to help patients with chronic pain and can help stay ahead of the pain or before it becomes too intense to bear to promote sounder sleep. Extended-release medication should not be crushed or split as it could cause dangerously strong amount of dosage to be taken at once. The maximum dosage of ER form is 300 mg a day and dosage may be decrease for those suffering from hepatic or renal impairment.
Treatments for Lower Back Pain
Tramadol can create a feeling of wellbeing as it belongs to opioid class by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and it is describes as a narcotic like because it is a drug with slightly different chemical structure than other drugs of this class. Tramadol is advised for treatment of lower back pain for one to two weeks to reduce the risk of dependency. As the body may develop tolerance to tramadol quickly, making it less effective over time. Doctor may suggest longer intervals between doses for people older than 75.
Treatment for Sciatica:
Sciatica a medical condition characterized by severe pain going down through leg to lower back. The pain can be in back, outside, or in leg and lower back. Sometimes numbness or weakness may occur in different parts of affected foot and leg. The chronic pain in sciatica may be due to spinal disc herniation on lumbar or sacral nerve roots. Treatment can be given using Tramadol ER and is generally recommended that people can continue with activities to best of their abilities. If the pain does not reduce with medication, for more than six weeks, then surgery may be an option.
Tramadol is used for treating various kinds of pains. It is also available as an OTC (Over the counter) drug at a cheap price.