Overview:
- According to the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, complications from opioids have risen in chronic, non-cancer pain patients despite efforts to reduce usage.
- A study from the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) also found the number of deaths from opioid use has increased even though the actual use of opioids has decreased in the last ten years.
- The pain management specialists at Tulsa Pain discuss this phenomenon and why it’s important chronic pain patients seek integrated care.
The results from these studies are astounding and reinforce the need to limit opioid prescriptions for chronic pain patients. Although pain medication can be safe when monitored closely by the prescribing physicians and used correctly by the patient, it’s imperative patients seek complementary forms of treatment for their chronic pain.
We wrote about this in our blog “Benefits of Interventional Pain Care and Alternative Treatments.” A multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to chronic pain is often the most successful because it reduces a patient’s risk of becoming dependent or tolerant to an opioid medication.
According to the study from JAMA, the prevalence of opioid disorders, frequency of use, and deaths has increased in chronic pain patients. Interestingly enough, the study also found an increase in the use of, and overdose from, heroin, which is often used as a cheap alternative to prescription pain medication. Although opioids can be prescribed and managed safely, there are other means for pain management that may provide comparable, if not better, results.
At Tulsa Pain, we build comprehensive treatment plans to meet the unique and individuals needs of patients. Treatment for chronic pain may include a combination of techniques so patients experience maximum pain relief. A Tulsa Pain physician may recommend one or more of the following treatment modalities:
- Steroid Injections
- Nerve Blocks
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Acupuncture / Peripheral Needle Stimulation
- Infrared or Interferential Therapy
Those are just a few treatment options that may help patients find relief from their chronic pain symptoms. To learn more about them, visit the Pain Treatments section on our website. To see what a pain management specialist can do for you, call 855-918-PAIN today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians.
Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
