The Hidden Cost of Pain Relief: The Risks of Long-Term Opioid Use for Back Pain

Back pain can be frustrating, debilitating, and at times, overwhelming. When you’re in the thick of it, reaching for a pill may feel like the only way to function. And for many patients, opioids—strong prescription painkillers—seem to offer the fastest path to relief.

But here’s what most people aren’t told:

Opioids can relieve pain in the short term—but they come with serious risks, especially when used long term.

At MyBackHub, we’ve helped hundreds of patients find lasting relief from back pain without surgery or long-term medication. In this post, we’ll shed light on the opioid epidemic, why it’s deeply intertwined with chronic back pain, and what safer, more sustainable alternatives actually work.

The Rise of Opioids in Back Pain Treatment

Over the past two decades, opioid prescriptions for back pain skyrocketed. Medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine became common go-to treatments—sometimes even after mild injuries or strain.

Back pain is now one of the leading reasons opioids are prescribed in the U.S.

But here’s the catch: while these medications can blunt pain signals temporarily, they don’t treat the underlying problem—and their risks increase the longer you take them.

The Risks of Long-Term Opioid Use

1. Dependence and Addiction

Even when taken as prescribed, opioids can lead to physical dependence in just a few weeks. Over time, your body builds tolerance—meaning you need more to get the same effect.

This can spiral into:

• Emotional dependence

• Withdrawal symptoms when stopping

• Difficulty managing pain without medication

• In severe cases, addiction and overdose

According to the CDC, up to 1 in 4 people prescribed long-term opioids for non-cancer pain develop some form of dependency.

2. Increased Sensitivity to Pain (Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia)

This one surprises many people: over time, opioids can actually make you more sensitive to pain. This condition, called opioid-induced hyperalgesia, means your pain threshold decreases—even as you take more medication.

In short: the very drug meant to relieve your pain can actually prolong it.

3. Reduced Physical and Mental Function

Long-term opioid use has been linked to:

• Cognitive fog

• Fatigue and low motivation

• Depression and anxiety

• Constipation and hormonal changes

• Poor sleep quality

All of these factors can interfere with your ability to heal, stay active, and engage in rehab—creating a vicious cycle of pain and disability.

4. Masking the Real Problem

Perhaps most importantly, opioids often mask symptoms instead of addressing causes. You may feel temporary relief, but the root issue—poor movement patterns, muscular imbalances, spinal degeneration—continues to worsen in the background.

And by the time the medication no longer works, your pain may be more complex and harder to treat.

What to Do Instead

We understand that when pain is bad, you need relief. But the evidence is clear: opioids should not be a long-term solution for chronic back pain.

Instead, we recommend a combination of:

• Movement-based therapy

Specific, guided exercises can improve strength, flexibility, and spinal support—helping your back function better without relying on painkillers.

• Education and behavior change

Understanding how pain works (and what it doesn’t mean) reduces fear, increases confidence, and improves recovery outcomes.

• Postural and ergonomic corrections

Many people unknowingly aggravate their back with daily habits. We help patients identify and fix these issues from the ground up.

• Alternative therapies

Heat, manual therapy, mindfulness, and even non-opioid medications can provide support during tough phases without risking addiction.

At MyBackHub, our virtual nonoperative care model is built around these principles—delivering relief that’s safe, personalized, and long-lasting.

A Word for Patients Already Using Opioids

If you’re already taking opioids, you’re not alone—and you’re not to blame. These medications were aggressively marketed and overprescribed for years.

The good news? It’s never too late to pivot.

With medical guidance, many people safely reduce or stop opioids while improving their pain through movement-based care. A strong support system—and a plan that doesn’t rely on medication—is key.

Final Thoughts

Opioids can feel like the only answer in moments of intense pain—but for most people with back problems, they’re not the best path forward.

Long-term, they carry risks that often outweigh the benefits. The real solution lies in understanding your body, treating the root cause, and moving with confidence again.

Your pain is real—but so is your ability to heal.

At MyBackHub, we’re here to help you get there—no pills required.

About the Author:

Rob Turk, MD, MBA
Chief Medical Advisor, MyBackHub

Rob Turk is the Chief Medical Advisor for MyBackHub, Inc. Dr. Turk has a broad foundation of talent in both medicine and business, previously obtaining his MD at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and his MBA at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. As an entrepreneur and orthopaedic spine surgeon, he has unique and valuable insight on many topics. He is a published author in leading scientific journals such as JBJS and Arthroscopy, has written multiple book chapters, and has been a reviewer for a number of scientific journals. He is passionate about motion preservation and innovation in spine care, health equity, delicious food, and sports.

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