Abstract
Pain is one of the leading reasons for primary care visits in the U.S. Opioids are a type of pain medication used for acute and chronic pain; side effects can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, physical dependence, addiction, and respiratory depression. Due to these side effects and recent increases in deaths from opioids, non-opioid medications for pain relief have become an essential part of both acute and chronic pain management. Different types of pain can be successfully treated based on the cause, so check with your doctor to determine the best treatment modality for you.
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NON-PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OPTIONS TO HELP TREAT PAIN:
Rest, ice, heat, compression, bracing, wraps, splints, stretching
Osteopathic manipulative medicine, physical therapy
Massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, regular exercise
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OPTIONS TO HELP TREAT PAIN:
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS; Over-the-counter and prescription)
Oral corticosteroids
Topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams and gels
Low concentration topical capsaicin
Topical lidocaine
Muscle relaxants
Corticosteroid injections
Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and bupropion
Gabapentin or pregabalin
NEWER TREATMENT OPTIONS THAT MAY NOT BE READILY AVAILABLE:
Spinal cord stimulation
Stem cell injections
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)
Medical marijuana
Ketamine Infusion Therapy
SOURCE(S): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ohio Opioid Prescribing Guidelines
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