A member asked:

Does taking narcotic therapy for degenerative disk disease effect my organs?

8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Opioid side effects: Apart from the obvious issues like cognitive impairment, impaired responses to respiratory and cardiovscular conditions and liver damage, longterm narcotics usually rot your teeth and inhibit the body's production of sex hormones (especially testosterone) leading to loss of lobido and weakening of the musculoskeletal system.

Answered 12/28/2016

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Dr. Gregg Albers answered

Specializes in Addiction Medicine

Opioid side effects: Most patients with chronic back pain, that cannot get relief with physical therapy, physical modalities such as heat, ice, massage, and milder pain medications, over the counter or prescribed, are prescribed narcotics. Mild doses that are monitored by your physician will cause temporary drowsiness, constipation. Higher doses, adding street bought medication, can present serious side effects.

Answered 9/28/2016

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