Prescription pain medications, typically opioids, are killing thousands of Americans each year. In 1999, about 4000 people died due painkillers. In 2011, 17000 people died due painkillers. This number has quadrupled since 1999. From 2007 to 2010, the number of pioid addiction hospitalizations increased 4x.
Opioid painkiller drugs mask pain. They do not cure it. Prescription drugs that numb pain in some cases may convince a patient that a musculoskeletal condition is less severe than it is, or that it has healed. This mismderstanding can lead to over-exertion and a delay in the healhg process, or even to permanent injury.
The painful truth behind painkillers
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