It is estimated that more than 30% of Americans are living with chronic and/or acute pain. In the past, opioids have been a common choice for chronic pain management. However, this approach in the face of our nation's opioid epidemic is demonstrating the power of opioid alternatives to treat and manage chronic pain.
For some, opioids can play a temporary role in helping manage acute term pain or pain associated with diseases like cancer. In their inception, opioids were designed to treat acute term pain. They work by binding to receptors in the brain to block pain signals. These receptors also perform other important functions in the body, so using opioids can cause other side effects such as:
When opioids are taken your body can build up a tolerance, which means that you may need to take a higher dose to obtain the same relief over time. Pain management physicians are specially trained to manage the use of opioids and other medications especially so that use does not lead to higher doses and more side effects.
There are many non-opioid medications that are available both over the counter and by prescription. These medications include aspirin, steroids, ibuprofen, topical analgesics and acetaminophen. These therapies can be combined with other treatments such as:
Physical or occupational therapy- A specially trained provider in physical or occupational therapy to create an exercise program that helps you improve your ability to function and that decreases your pain.
Relaxation or posture- Many patients find relief from relaxation and posture found in yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong. Additionally, programs like yoga can teach patients the role of posture to reduce their pain. Sometimes minor modifications to lifestyle such as how we sit, how we lift or move can have a significant impact on pain experience. At the same time, meditation and breathing exercises can also have an impact on managing pain.
Cognitive behavioral therapy- Collaborating with a mental health professional to provide tools and adaptive techniques to manage pain has shown to be very successful. Pain impacts all facets of the body and life. Working with a provider trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is another tool to restore quality of life.
Injections or nerve blocks- These can have lasting effects while others can be temporary. Injections can be non-steroid or regenerative using your own stem cells.
Spinal cord stimulation- This is an implantable device used to intercept pain messages transmitted to the brain to reduce or eliminate pain.
Nerve ablation- A procedure where nerves responsible for transmitting pain are cauterized.
Nutrition- Food is a prescription for health. Certain foods can increase inflammation and thus pain in the body, while other foods can reduce inflammation and pain. Reviewing your diet and making lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on how you feel.
Lifestyle choices- Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs can enhance your chronic pain or illness.
Pain does not need to control your life. If you are living with chronic pain speak with your provider about alternatives to opioids to restore your quality of life. Our providers will work with you on an individualized self-management program that will allow for greater control over your chronic pain.
