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Pain Management Alternatives

By / October 9, 2018 / , / 0 Comments

According to the CDC,  over 17% of Americans ad one Opioid prescription filled with an average of 3.4 Opioid prescriptions dispensed per patient (2)

There is a wide array of different types of pain management techniques. Of course the complexity of these techniques are dependent upon what the cause of pain is or the origin of the site of pain. Pain treatment is guided by the recurrence of pain, pain history, related pains, intensity, and duration (1). Often times for pain management  a patient may be prescribed a pain killer that can be classified as an Opioid. According to the CDC,  over 17% of Americans ad one Opioid prescription filled with an average of 3.4 Opioid prescriptions dispensed per patient (2). Although the use of Opioids has been declining since 2012, rates are still higher than they were in 1999 (2). Last week, the Senate passed The Crisis Response Act of 2018, which will authorize approximately $7.9 billion dollars to the CDC and other agencies and programs that are addressing the Opioid Crisis (3).  Ways that others in this line of work can help reduce Opioid addiction is by introducing patients to different pain management techniques or adding other techniques in addition to their current pain management protocol. Some alternative methods for Pain Management are (4):

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)- CBD is becoming increasingly popular among chronic pain patients. Unlike THC, CBD is derived from the hemp leaves so it cannot intoxicate users; it has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation caused from pain or irritation. CBD can be applied topically on the site of pain or may be taken orally as an oil or edible product or it may also be ingested as a vapor.
  • Acupuncture- Acupuncture has been around for approximately 4,000 years! It has been recognized as a long term and effective treatment for chronic pain for regions of the lower back, neck, shoulder, knee, and for headaches as well.
  •  Yoga- Among may other health benefits, yoga is also very good for pain treatment. Yoga focuses on building both strength and flexibility which together help the body function optimally; Yoga can help promote restorative energy healing.
  •  Massage Therapy- Massages are not only relaxing, but also extremely helpful in dealing with chronic pain. Massage therapy for pain management it useful as it relaxes muscles and stimulates neurotransmitters; it makes the brain release hormones such as Oxycontin, and Serotonin helping the patient have a overall good feeling of self, and also reduces Cortisol levels that cause stress and pain.
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet- Believe it or not but ones diet affects more than just his or her health. Your ability to properly heal is also affected by your diet. Eating foods that are anti-inflammatory can reduce pain and inflammation throughout the body. Through this diet, patients would have to avoid all processed foods and eat from mainly plant-based foods.

 

Source: 1, 2, 3,4

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