Those diagnosed with a herniated disc in the neck typically present with mild to severe constant pain or with radiating pain and numbness down into one upper extremity or both extremities. A patient with this problem may also have unceasing muscle spasms. Initial treatment programs include physical therapy such as muscle stimulation, ice therapy or heat therapy coupled with medication. Certain narcotics are considered the best for people with this type of neck pain, and a physician will determine the appropriate treatment based on a patient's history and situation.
Propoxyphene
Propoxyphene, or Darvon, belongs to a group of drugs labeled as controlled narcotic pain relievers. It is a schedule IV drug, which implies that it has a lower potential of abuse compared with its counterparts such as codeine and morphine. As an opioid, it decreases the perception of pain and increases pain tolerance through its effects on the central nervous system. Like most opioids, a person using this drug risks physical dependence and drug tolerance. A person may suffer withdrawal symptoms if discontinuing the drug after long-term use. Users of this medication commonly report a need for higher dosages due to a buildup of tolerance for the drug. According to Rxlist.com, there have been numerous cases of accidental and intentional overdose with propoxyphene products. Fatalities within the first hour of overdose are common and many of the propoxyphene-related deaths have occurred in patients with previous histories of emotional disturbances or suicidal attempts. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Examples of this drug include Darvon and Darvon-N.
Codeine
Codeine is considered a weaker narcotic pain reliever compared with propoxyphene. Physical dependence is unlikely when codeine is used for a short duration. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, codeine is one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Like other opioids, codeine decreases the brain's ability to transmit pain signals by overloading the brain with chemical messages that block the transmission of the signal. This results in either an increased tolerance for pain or a decrease in pain and a euphoric feeling. Side effects may include constipation, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting. Codeine disburses as a single-ingredient drug or combined with acetaminophen or Tylenol for a stronger agent. Examples of these drugs include Tylenol 3, Tylenol 4 and Co-codamol.
Morphine
Morphine treats sufferers with moderate to severe pain and those who are usually surgical candidates or post-operative patients. Morphine is one of the most effective drugs known for the relief of severe pain, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says, and it remains the standard against which new analgesics are measured. Unlike codeine, discontinuing this drug suddenly may produce withdrawal symptoms. Those with chronic or severe pain who don't respond to other medications may have the option to use an intrathecal morphine pump, a specialized device that delivers concentrated amounts of morphine into the spinal cord area via a small tubing. Common side effects include insomnia, loss of appetite, diarhhea, headaches and dizziness.
