Using post-operative opioid analgesics creates problems with constipation, nausea and dizziness while interfering with early mobilization and, in some patients, promoting long term use. It should be used only in a strictly limited manner and with well-defined parameters. Alternate pain management regimens offer improved pain control, enhanced rehabilitation and fewer complications.
Sources:
Devin CJ, et al. Best evidence in multimodal pain management in spine surgery and means of assessing postoperative pain and functional outcomes. J Clin Neurosci. 2015 Jun;22(6):930-8. PMID: 25766366.
Mathiesen O, et al. A comprehensive multimodal pain treatment reduces opioid consumption after multilevel spine surgery. Eur Spine J. 2013 Sep;22(9):2089-96. PMID: 23681498.