[alloysteel]

There are those who say that Rush should not be out swinging a golf club, if his back is as bad as claimed. That the medication is only for feel-good, not for therapy.

Be aware that a really debilitating back injury is sharply acute and seriously limits range of motion, not because the muscles are unable to make the motions, but because it hurts so DAMNED much. The difference between this constant pain and near-total relief is akin to releasing a grip on a high-voltage electrical source. When the pain is at its peak intensity, a person is not thinking about much else, and who wants to be at the mercy of such seemingly unending torture? Unceasing pain can be a major contributing factor in stress-induced depression, and depression leads to the downward spiral to self-immolation. At a certain point, a person may not WANT to live any more. Almost anything that causes the pain to recede is welcomed, and some of the narcotics available seem to do a reasonable efficient job, with a minimal reduction in judgment and limited hangover effects.

Make no mistake. Under the influence, the patient is still impaired, but the pain causes even more impairment.

[neverdem]

"Make no mistake. Under the influence, the patient is still impaired, but the pain causes even more impairment."

To the contrary, if a doctor carefully increases the dose, then the patients receive adequate analgesia without mental impairment. It can be tricky, but it can be done.