What Is Non-Opioid Pain Management?
Non-opioid pain management is what it sounds like – an alternative option for patients dealing with chronic pain that doesn’t rely on the highly addictive opioids that are taking over the nation right now.
There’s a range of treatments that fall into this category, from non-opioid painkillers to physical therapy, acupuncture and pain management or trigger point injections – and all can be used on a range of patients.
While the treatments vary, the goal is always the same: to relieve the patient’s pain as effectively as opioid painkillers. Whether we’re managing chronic pain, or dealing with a severe injury, non-opioid pain management can give the patient a pain-free life, without the risk of addiction.
Why is Non-Opioid Pain Management Performed?
Non-opioid pain management is performed as an alternative to the traditional opioids prescribed for severe pain and injury. There is no one-size-fits-all condition that requires pain management, but some of the most common are:
- Surgery
- Chronic Pain
- Severe Injury/Accident
How is Non-Opioid Pain Management Performed?
Non-opioid pain management prescriptions, durations and frequency will all vary depending on the treatment that your healthcare provider prescribes.
One example could be trigger point injections – trigger points are essentially pressure points, which have developed within the patient’s muscle, leaving a knot feeling that can be extremely painful and limit mobility. Trigger point injection (TPI) therapy is easily performed by a medical professional, and takes only a matter of minutes.
Schedule a free consultation to speak with a doctor about your pain management needs.
What Should I Expect After Non-Opioid Pain Management?
Because non-opioid pain management is simply a bucket for multiple different forms of treatments, any potential side effects, recovery periods and healing experiences will also vary. This is something your healthcare provider will discuss with you before any treatment takes place.
Regardless of treatment, the benefits remain clear – with non-opioid pain management, you’re able to manage chronic and acute pain without the risk of addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Opioid Pain Management
1. Why does opioid pain management risk addiction?
Opioids are extremely addictive because they trigger the release of endorphins – your body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins dull your perception of pain and boost feelings of pleasure – but when this wears off, it’s possible to find yourself wanting it back. This is where opioids become a risk for addiction.
2. Are non-opioid painkillers as effective?
Yes. In fact, depending on your condition, some non-opioid treatments may be even more effective for managing your pain. Speak to a medical professional today to identify what treatment would be most effective for you.
