Chronic Pain Management with opioid based medication

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide, often necessitating long-term pain management strategies. Opioid-based medications are one approach used to alleviate chronic pain; however, their use requires careful consideration, monitoring, and adherence to strict protocols to mitigate risks of misuse, addiction, and other adverse outcomes.

General Information:

• Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting for at least three to six months and can result from various medical conditions, injuries, or diseases.
• Opioids are a class of medications that work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and body, reducing the perception of pain.
• While opioids can effectively manage pain, they also carry risks of dependence, addiction, overdose, and other adverse effects, making their use in chronic pain management a subject of ongoing debate and scrutiny.

Statistics:

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain, with 8% reporting high-impact chronic pain that interferes with daily activities.
• Opioid overdose deaths have increased significantly in recent years, with over 70,000 deaths attributed to opioid overdoses in the United States in 2019 alone.

CareLock’s Approach to Chronic Pain Management:

CareLock has developed strict policies and protocols for managing chronic pain in primary care patients using opioid-based medications. Patients entering into pain management treatment with opioid medications are required to sign an annual pain management contract outlining guidelines and expectations. The contract may include provisions for bi-monthly urine drug screenings, random pill counts, and annual imaging to support pain management diagnoses. Case management follow-up ensures patients receive ongoing support and monitoring throughout their treatment. Physical therapy may be recommended as part of a multimodal approach to pain management, where appropriate, to reduce reliance on opioid medications and improve functional outcomes. CareLock providers prescribe patients with Narcan and educate them on the administration and use of Narcan nasal spray. Narcan (naloxone) is a medication used to rapidly reverse opioid overdose and can be life-saving in emergency situations.

Resources:

• American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA): ACPA offers resources, support, and education for individuals living with chronic pain and their families.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): NIDA provides information and research updates on opioids, pain management, and strategies for preventing opioid misuse and addiction.