It seems there is a constant stream of painkiller addiction and overdose stories reported in the news these days.  From Whitney Houston’s death to Lindsay Lohan’s drug-rehab struggles, one wonders how the terrible cycle begins?  For many professional athletes, it may start with a herniated disc or sciatic nerve pain.

Former Jets and Dolphins NFL quarterback Ray Lucas shared his personal struggle with painkiller addiction recently in an interview with the New York Times.  The 39 year old, who contemplated suicide at his lowest point, wanted to go public with his story to help others struggling with chronic pain.  His use of painkillers began when he sustained injuries playing in the NFL.  After battling back spasms, severe headaches and sciatica, he underwent back and neck surgery.  He continued to take painkillers – at one point taking up to 800 pills per month.

Lucas doesn’t fault the NFL or the game of football for his addiction, but assumes responsibility for the choices he made.  He stated, “I want other people to know that if they see their tolerance growing, rather than just upping the number of pills, talk to a doctor to figure out what’s really going on and what the best steps are for you.”

The disc herniation, sciatica and other conditions that can result from contact sports can be extremely painful.  According to Lucas, painkillers are a part of managing the pain.  But when chronic pain and a growing dependence on medication develop, it may be time to reach out for help.  He told the New York Times, “this problem isn’t limited to athletes; it could be an executive or a soccer mom.”

If you are taking prescription medication to relieve the pain for conditions such as sciatica, it may be time for a regular check-in with your pain management specialist.  Advances in medicine have created a range of treatment options, ranging from physical therapy to chiropractic treatment and nerve blocks or minimally invasive surgical procedures, to help patients avoid an addition to pain medication.