Ever used a morphine patch?

[Instaurare omnia]

If you don't walk out and die of thirst or exposure you are no better off.

Definitely, if that's the only choice one has. Not arguing with that.

But there are already enough ill-prepared fools who venture out thinking a GPS device will save them; now just add a morphine patch to the kit, yeah! (Darwin Awards there, such cases can't be counseled.) My point in general was that neck injuries that result from a fall or other direct impact need to be taken seriously even if the pain is mitigated -- actually more so since it's easier to dismiss if not screaming in agony. Accidents happen, no need to make things worse unnecessarily.

[Prayerful]

Used the disc lots in hospital post motorbike accident. Didn't seem to be that impressive, with constipation the only notable effect. Tramdol seemed better overall.

[awkward customer]

Whatever the problems may be, morphine patches would be an excellent addition to any emergency supplies.  So would any opiate derived drug, such as Tramadol, Co-codamol etc. 

These are likely to be very valuable in any survival situation, and necessity will govern their use and alleviate many of the associated issues.  Pharmacies are always targeted during societal breakdown situations, precisely for these drugs.