Several years ago I was taking extra strength Vicodin and Percocet for my neck and back every day.......for a pretty long time. I couldn't sleep on the oxycodone, so took the hydrocodone at night. Never had any issues other than the sleep with them. But then I took a job where I just wasn't going to be able to take it every day, so started taking half doses until it was gone. I never did get constipation.....in fact I had to ask my wife one day just what constipation was. I've had that very minorly maybe three times in my lifetime, and never really considered that an issue. I considered not having to crap for three days a blessing.
But ya, these days......when I really need something for my lower back, I can't find a doctor to prescribe anything. So ya.......all the lawsuits etc really did screw it up for the rest of us. I did have a couple prescriptions from 2011 that lasted me through 2020. That's all I want now, something I can take when really needed and it will last me 10 years.