Opioids are usually prescribed to manage conditions and procedures such as:

• Cancer pain
• Terminal illness
• Severe injury and trauma pain
• Severe musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain or other joint pain
• Surgical and postsurgical pain
• Postpartum (after-labor) pain
• Sickle cell anemia crises
• Severe dental pain
• Painful diabetic neuropathy
• Migraines or other headaches

Though other medications such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used with arthritis, recent research indicates that controlled-release opioids can ease pain in people with moderate to severe osteoarthritis.

Opioids are sometimes used to treat severe diarrhea or severe coughing. Opioids are also used to block pain during numerous medical and dental procedures and may be used just before or during an operation to help anesthesia work more effectively.