Chronic pain, or pain that lasts for over three months, can be debilitating and life-changing. Pain management has traditionally relied on prescriptions like opioids. However, these drugs are highly addictive and can lead to substance use disorders (SUDs), overdoses, and other serious problems. People are now looking for alternatives to help cope with chronic pain without the risk of addiction. One of the many challenges that come with recovery is managing pain and discomfort. However, there are steps to manage pain without relying on substance use.
Opioid Pain Management
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many people rely on prescribed opioids to treat pain. Through the use of opioid pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone, or oxymorphone, we have a growing opioid epidemic. Because opioids block the signals from pain receptors in the brain, doctors overwhelmingly prescribed them to patients.
Even though these medications are highly effective, they are prone to triggering substance use disorder in individuals. Unfortunately, about 10.1 million people have misused their prescribed opioids. These medications can be addictive, dangerous, and even deadly if not taken properly. The USA has seen an increased rate of opioid-related SUDs and overdoses. As more people seek recovery from these opioids related SUDs, some of these individuals may look for alternatives to manage their pain.
Alternatives to Opioids for Chronic Pain
When suffering from chronic pain, there are several approaches that you can take. For some, a combination of treatments may be the best option. You have the option of using traditional pharmaceutical methods or non-pharmaceutical therapies for a holistic approach. A holistic approach, which is used in tandem with other treatment methods, addresses the body’s system of pain-sensing pathways. A pain management team can help you determine the best ways to relieve your pain.
The following list provides several options to add to your pain management plan. These options include therapeutic, homeopathic, and medical options.
Antidepressants: These classes of prescription drugs work by increasing levels of "feel good" chemicals in the brain. According to researchers, antidepressants can have a positive effect on serotonin, especially by stimulating the descending pain pathways in the spine.
Steroid injections: Injections of steroids can help people suffering from severe muscle spasms and nerve pain. They are used to manage pain from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and certain forms of arthritis. The injections can help reduce swelling and inflammation in joints and muscles.
Acupuncture: This traditional medical practice, often used in Asia, involves the insertion of needles at specific points on the body to interrupt pain signals. Besides interrupting pain signals, the treatment helps with improving circulation, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and easing muscle tension. Scientists recognize that acupuncture can reduce the need for medication for chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. It can often eliminate or reduce the need for medications altogether for chronic pain conditions, such as migraine and arthritis.
Chiropractic: This option provides a successful course of treatment for many ailments, including low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractors can provide adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body to correct alignment problems and ease the pain.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is a treatment that uses techniques such as heat, cold, exercise, massage, and manipulation, to help people manage pain. The treatment improves the condition of muscles by restoring muscle strength.
Yoga: This exercise can help restore strength and relieve pain. Yoga is a mind-body practice that involves stretching and breathing techniques to help relieve stress and physical tension.
Behavioral Therapies: The use of evidence-based therapies enhances pain management. Therapy can help individuals address problems such as negative beliefs and behaviors that amplify their chronic pain. Certain common mental health disorders can exacerbate chronic pain like emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Over-the-Counter Medication: Many over-the-counter (OTC) medicines can be purchased without a prescription. These drugs relieve aches and pains. For the most part, they are non-addictive. There are several pain medication options, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like aspirin and ibuprofen).
Surgery: Surgery is never the first option for pain treatment, but sometimes it may be necessary to treat severe pain that is caused by back problems or serious musculoskeletal injuries. With surgery, there are always risks and benefits to consider with your healthcare provider.
Meditation: Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention on an object for a specific period. Meditating can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and control pain. One may also combine it with guided imagery to help the mind focus on positive images.
By engaging in some or all of these methods, you may be able to manage your chronic pain without turning to opioids. If you're struggling with your pain and these aren't helping, however, it may be time to seek the help of a medical professional.
Pain management plans reduce pain, manage side effects, and improve quality of life. However, these plans often use medications for this purpose, so what happens if you have an addiction to the medication? Many people become addicted to opioid medications because of their effectiveness on the brain in managing pain. However, this comes with the risk of developing an addiction. It is important for individuals in recovery to have a plan in place in order to avoid relapsing. At Monte Cristo Recovery, we believe that pain management should support your recovery and help prevent relapses. There are many other options for pain relief, including over-the-counter medications, behavioral therapies, surgery, physical therapy, and yoga. Finding the right treatment plan can address your pain and help you get back to living your life. If you start to feel like you're developing a substance use disorder with opioids, contact us today at Monte Cristo Recovery by calling (714) 824-9896.