What Are Some Of The Common Non-Opioid Pain Treatments To Fight Off Pain?

The opioid crisis is devastating millions of people. From addiction to overdose and the spread of infectious disease, opioids have wreaked havoc in our communities for decades. The crisis does not only affect the streets. It is in the homes of ordinary people. According to the National Institutes of Health, 21-29% of people prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them, and 8-12% develop addiction. The best way to avoid becoming addicted to opioids is to avoid opioid medications altogether. But that doesn't mean you have to live with the pain. There are a number of non-opioid pain treatments available. Read on for more information.

Opioid-Free Pain Management

Opiates, also known as narcotics, block pain receptors and create artificial endorphins in the body. This is what makes them ideal for treating pain caused by injury or surgery, back pain or severe pain associated with cancer. But it's also what makes them highly addicting, especially when used to treat chronic (long-term) pain. Doctors and health researchers are actively fighting the opioid crisis by helping patients find new ways to relieve their pain without the use of opiates. Some common non-opioid pain management options include:

• Non-Opioid Oral Pain Relievers -

There are several types of prescription and over-the-counter medications that do not contain opioids. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen and aspirin are very effective in relieving many types of pain.

• Other Oral Medications

Some antidepressants and anticonvulsants are sometimes prescribed to treat pain, even in people who are not suffering from depression or seizures.

• Topical Anesthetics

Topical creams, gels, patches, lotions, and ointments can be applied to the skin to treat some types of topical pain, including musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain.

• Pain Pumps

Pain pumps involve the surgical placement of a small pump under the skin that delivers medications to the spinal cord and nerves for controlled treatment of chronic pain. This is another beneficial non-opioid pain treatments.

• Nerve Blocks

Nerve blocks are injections of local anesthetics that can be used to numb the nerves in a specific area for pain relief.

• Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists can help patients manage pain through a personalized program along with a sleeping pill prescription that includes a combination of exercises, manual therapies, and patient education.

• Acupuncture

Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating various types of chronic pain, including chronic headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and pain associated with osteoarthritis.

• TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, uses a low-voltage electrical current that blocks the transmission of pain signals to treat both chronic pain and acute pain.

• Radiofrequency Therapy

Radiofrequency therapy uses radio waves to create an electrical current that heats the affected nerve tissue and blocks the pain signal there.

Not all of the above non-opioid pain treatments will work in all situations or conditions. The best way to determine which non-narcotic pain treatment is right for you is to consult with a physician who is experienced in chronic pain management treatment and committed to the long-term health and well-being of patients.

Treat Pain Without Opiates at Youssef Pain Management

If you suffer from chronic pain and are looking for alternatives to opiates for pain relief, we can help. At Youssef Pain Management, our pain management physicians understand the risks of opioid medications and will work closely with you to tailor a treatment plan focused on helping you live a healthy, pain-free life. For more information on non-opioid pain treatments, visit us today!