Tramadol... Safe and Effective

In the wake of growing concerns over the fatal effects of some pain relievers in the market, pain specialists continue developed recommendations for alternatives – as effective yet not as dangerous.

News on the rising deaths of patients using COX-2 inhibitors and traditional NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs) has prompted medical experts to recommend the ban or withdrawal of drugs with these ingredients from the market.

After discussing the safety data for both NSAIDs and the COX-2 inhibitors, the group endorsed an expanded role for weak opioids, which are more effective in moderate-to-severe pain than NSAIDs. At the same time these possess other significant advantages included titratability, reversibility and lack of prostaglandin-associated side effects.

The role of combinations of weak opioids and other analgesic agents - in particular, tramadol plus paracetamol - merits particular attention.

A group of international pain specialists considered that tramadol and tramadol combinations offered a useful advantage in that they were 'NSAID-sparing'. The drug could be used in combination with lower-than-usual doses of NSAIDs. Use of tramadol is recommended by medical societies.

The panel also recommended the proper utilization of weak opioids. Side-effects, they stressed, are a common reason given for non-compliance.

The panel agreed that a policy of 'go low, go slow' - starting with a low dose and increasing it gradually - should be used to achieve good analgesia without intolerable side-effects.

After thorough deliberations, the group concluded that it is very important to communicate clear guidance to physicians on appropriate prescribing of analgesics in this new climate of uncertainty regarding the continuing use of COX-2 inhibitors.

Way back in 2004, there was a move for the global withdrawal of rofecoxib (Vioxx), which and concerns regarding use of other COX-2 inhibitors. Rofecoxib is used to relieve pain, tenderness and stiffness caused by arthritis. It is in a class of COX-2 exhibitors.

This then raised concerns for the need of prompt and clear guidance to physicians regarding prescription of drugs with these compositions.

NSAIDS and Cox-2

There actually are two Cox enzymes, Cox 1 and Cox-2. Both enzymes produce prostaglandins that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. However, only Cox-1 produces prostaglandins that support platelets and protect the stomach.

NSAIDs block the Cox enzymes and reduce prostaglandins throughout the body. As a consequence, ongoing inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced. Since the prostaglandins that protect the stomach and support the platelets and blood clotting also are reduced, NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and promote bleeding.

Cost of arthritis cure soar draining sufferer’s coffers

A considerable chunk of earnings of most American households with arthritis sufferers are spent on drugs and medication.

According to recent studies, this is because of the high cost for maintaining this type of disease. This is also due to the fact that most households have more than one member with arthritis.

Latest statistics available showed a 25 percent jump in the number of adult Americans with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. Overall, more than 46 million arthritis sufferers were recorded in 2003 compared to 36.8 million in 1997 based on the records of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The agency lamented the total annual tab to care for these patients is almost $81 billion, which represents almost three percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

Economic and heat experts said the figure report is alarming and contingency measures have to be in place.

Researchers pointed to the aging population as one of the reason yet they said this is something no one can control. They opined, however, agencies can work on ways to make the population healthier.

Improving food consumption and regular exercise have been named some of the measures. The report also stated that attendant costs for treating people with arthritis rose by 24 percent between 1997 and 2003 -- from $65 billion to $81 billion.

The cost increases were mostly attributable to people rather than procedures. This is because of the increase in the cost of drugs and the increased number of surgeries.

Having arthritis can not be disregarded as it attacks anytime and sometimes with no symptom at all. The sufferers are sometimes caught out of hand.

Yet despite the reported increase in arthritis drugs, sufferers ensure that pain relievers are never out of stock inside their homes. Prices of pain relievers vary depending on the manufacturer.

Tramadol has been one of the trusted pain relief drugs for arthritis sufferers because it is relatively cheap yet effective. Tramadol is carried by numerous online drugstores including drugstoretm.com, which offers the drug at slashed prices.

Aside from the relatively low price, Tramadol is an effective pain reliever. Its mode of action resembles that of narcotics, but it has significantly less potential for abuse and addiction than the narcotics.

Tramadol is as effective as narcotics in relieving pain but does not depress respiration, a side effect of most narcotics. It is not a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) so does not have the increased risk of stomach ulceration and internal bleeding that can occur with the use of NSAIDs.

Concerned agencies are now taking steps to decrease the number of arthritis sufferers. They agreed that the reported jump in the number of sufferers meant raw earnings losses due to arthritis among working adults (ages 18-65) increased by $9 billion from 1997 to 2003 is indeed alarming. This report, they agreed, could cause a long-time adverse effect on the economy and should not be taken for granted.

Don’t let Finger Pain Freeze You!

We depend so much on our hands for our daily tasks, so when pain strikes, there is so much work backlog. Everyone, regardless of age, depends so much on their hands, fingers to go on with their daily activities and cannot afford pain or injury on them.

However, whatever precaution we take, human as we are, we are all prone to finger pains and injuries.

So many studies have already been conducted to discover the causes of finger pains. Most finger pains are caused by arthritis, according to studies. Yet, this is not the only culprit. Pain may also be caused by osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition of specific joints that is more common in people older than 50.

Finger pains may likewise be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, which may also cause fatigue and a host of other symptoms. It can be caused by gout, a genetic arthritic condition that can be worsened by taking diuretics to rid the body of excess fluid or by consuming alcohol.

Another cause of finger pain is tendinitis, a painful inflammation of the tendons in the fingers, usually caused by repetitive stress or trauma.

Stop the pain

There is not much to worry about, anyway, because there are a number of ways to treat and prevent the pain.

Prevention will depend on the cause of pain. If the pain is caused by cold weather, wear warm gloves. If the pain is brought on by a repetitive motion required by your job, see a physician for advice and treatment. If the pain is from tendinitis, using ice and splinting the finger may help.

Medications to ease finger pains flood the market but the one most recommended by doctors is Tramadol. Tramadol has been proven safe and effective in the treatment of finger pains.

To get a pill of Tramadol, you do not even have to drive through the nearest pharmacy, all you have to do is go online and visit http://www.drugstoretm.com/tramadol.php and the pills will be delivered to you.

On the other hand, if the pain is brought on by Raynaud's phenomenon, sufferer may be advised to take a calcium channel blocker. Heated wax treatment applied by a physical therapist also can relieve pain and temporarily loosen up stiff fingers.

Medical experts charted various simple but effective ways to ease finger pains. One is to move the fingers in warm water to increase circulation and decrease stiffness. If there is swelling, use ice for 20 to 30 minutes at a time and take Tramadol tablets as a supplement.

The experts added that to avoid finger pain, it is best to shop for tools and devices that will allow you to perform daily tasks with less stress on your hands and fingers.

Lastly, everyone is advised to be very careful not to overuse your hands and fingers, on the job or at play – it is better to be safe than sorry in the end.

Chronic pain drugs - Addiction not relief

Drugs in the treatment of chronic back pain may cause addiction, not relief.

In a study conducted by medical experts early this year, revealed that the use of opioids in chronic may not be effective for more than four months of use. But the prevalence of lifetime or current abuse of these drugs can be over 50%.

Back pain is the second most common complaint seen by doctors in the United States. Chronic back pain usually lasts for more than 3 months). It is a complaint seen in 5% to 8% of the general population, but it occurs in about 20% of the working population.

Doctors recommend exercise therapy ,anti-inflammatory medication, anti-depressant medications, acupuncture, massage, and electrical stimulation to treat the pain.

Yet, despite this array of treatment options, many patients continue to complain of pain, and the doctor will often resort to the prescribing of opioid drugs. Although several medical analysts are skeptical on the efficiency of opioids in treating the pain.

The study also considered patient’s characteristics that may be associated with an increased risk of addiction. The study revealed that women were more likely than men to underestimate opioid use.

The existence in a patient of other illnesses, past episodes of substance abuse, and a younger age were all associated with higher risk for the abuse of opioid medications.

The analysts surmised that the treatment of chronic back pain is difficult, even with the many treatment options available. And in the midst of controversies covering the use of cox-2 inhibitors like Vioxx, doctors have become wary of the pain relievers they prescribe their patients.

Researches showed that Cox enzymes, Cox-2 produce prostaglandins that promote inflammation, pain, and fever.

Doctors shifted to the “less dangerous” drugs yet as effective in pain relief. Tramadol has then become a popular alternative. Use of tramadol, available online at drugstoretm.com., is highly recommended by medical societies.

This is because of the combinations of weak opioids and other analgesic agents in tramadol.

A group of international pain specialists considered that tramadol and tramadol combinations offered a useful advantage in that they were 'NSAID-sparing'. The drug could be used in combination with lower-than-usual doses of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs).

As a result of all the reports on the abuse of chronic pain drugs, doctors and patients need to be aware of the therapeutic limitations of opioids. This is to avoid further risk on the patients- the bottom line of the medication is to stop the pain, not to make drug addicts out of the patients.