Treating low back pain with medications just became harder. Back pain sufferers will find it more challenging to treat their chronic pain pharmacologically, as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has recently published its final rule that places a more-restrictive classification on hydrocodone combination products, or HCPs. A 2011 market research report indicates that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from chronic pain1, and it is estimated that as many as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in our lives.2
After 10 years of formal debate and consideration – and 15 years since the idea was first proposed – hydrocodone combination products are being reclassified from the more-permissive Schedule III to the more-restrictive Schedule II category. The rule will take effect in approximately 45 days, or early October 2014. The purpose of the change is to minimize the misuse of the drugs for recreational purposes while ensuring that patients with severe pain still have reasonable access to the amount of drug needed to control their pain and suffering.
What’s the difference between scheduled drugs?
A Schedule III drug currently like Hydrocodone/APAP can be written. It can be orally communicated, it can be faxed, and a provider can grant additional refills without acquiring a new prescription every time.
In contrast, Congress set up Schedule II to be the most restrictive of the medically-legitimate drugs. What the restrictions do is limit the amount available in the drug distribution system to prevent its misuse, or diversion, without unduly compromising patients getting the drug who really need it medically. Schedule II medications require a written prescription every time. The prescription cannot be called in for the most part, it can’t contain refills and the quantity has to be written in long hand.
So, the most important distinction for the patient is that they need to bring a physical prescription to the pharmacy and another doctor visit is required for more than a 30-day supply. The expectation is that patients currently treating their chronic pain with medication will consider alternative pain management modalities given the more stringent and time consuming requirements.
Axiom Worldwide and Integrity Life Sciences delivers a multitude of treatment options to address several of the most costly aliments in the world, chronic low back pain and neck pain and in most cases without addicting and long-term side effects of pain medications. This advanced solution begins with the Integrity Spinal Care System. Integrity and Axiom provide medical devices that address non-surgical spinal decompression therapy systems, which are engineered to provide pain relief for compressive and degenerative conditions of the spine and neck. These specific conditions that may be treated include: neck pain and back pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. It achieves these effects through decompression of the intervertebral discs, that is, unloading to distraction and positioning.
The DEA decision to reclassify HCP’s can be viewed at:
Integrity Life Sciences delivers a multitude of orthotic treatment options to address one of the most costly systemic ailments in the world, chronic low back and neck pain. Our advanced solution begins with the Integrity Spinal Care System (ISCS) ™ and its proprietary iELCiPS Technology™. The ISCS non-surgical spinal decompression modality systems are engineered to provide pain relief for compressive and degenerative conditions of the spine. Specifically, conditions that may be treated include: neck pain and back pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. It achieves these effects through decompression of intervertebral discs, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning.
As a compliment to the ISCS, Integrity offers the very effective Integrity Gel Support Brace™. Our advanced lumbar support brace is a fitting compliment to non-surgical spinal decompression therapy and was designed as an adjunct therapy for those suffering from back pain due to disc related conditions. The Integrity Gel Support Brace may be used with or without Integrity’s non-surgical spinal decompression systems and is an excellent treatment option for the patient to use at home.
In addition, Integrity Life Sciences has been exclusively granted the use of all of the technology, products, US Patent and Trademark Office’s assignments, logos and other forms of intellectual property that were created by Axiom Worldwide, INC under the leadership of Jim Gibson from Tampa, Florida. The agreement specifically includes the flagship product DRX9000™, its family of products, and all of its derivatives such as the DRX9000C. Integrity offers support for these products, which includes: sales, maintenance services, and repairs. Only Integrity Life Sciences is Registered with the US FDA as a Factory Authorized – Contract Manufacturer – for Axiom Worldwide and the DRX9000 True Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Systems™
James Gibson, President of Integrity Life Sciences and Axiom Worldwide states “Our partners, in over 50 countries and territories, have the unique opportunity to present a cutting edge medical device, utilizing a clinically validated protocol that restores a patient’s quality of life non-surgically and without pharmaceutical or invasive intervention“. With a body of published clinical research from around the world will support and strengthen your sales presentation; members of our medical advisory board herald from prestigious institutions such as Johns-Hopkins and The Mayo Clinic just to name a few. In addition, partners will have confidence in a quality product that adheres to the stringent standards mandated by FDA, CE, and ISO. Sales, marketing, and technical training is offered in prestigious locations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and throughout the United States.
Learn more @: www.IntegrityLifeSciences.com or www.AxiomWorldwide.com
Integrity Life Sciences, LLC and Axiom Worldwide, INC are privately held companies with global partners and shareholders USA based company with international partners located across the globe with a mission of “Restoring Integrity to the Spine™“.
For additional information please visit: www.IntegrityLifeSciences.com.
