PAIN MANAGEMENT
A traumatic injury can sideline an athlete and leave lasting effects if not properly treated. Mission Pain and Spine helps you get back in the game, fast.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF PAIN – Pain Medicine
Pain is usually the result of tissue damage. The type of pain is determined by the type of tissue that is damaged.
Nerve damage may cause pain that is burning, stinging or shooting in character.
Joint pain is typically described as a dull, sometime sharp ache that is exacerbated by movement.
Muscle injury usually causes cramping pain.
Inflammation is typically associated with tissue injury.
Different types of pain may arise from damage to one organ or system. For instance, arthritis of the spine may cause deep aching pain, muscle pain from cramps and if the arthritis leads to nerve damage, the pain might be burning and shooting in character.
Medications are therefore tailored to treat pain based on the type of tissue that is injured.
Acetaminophen is a mild pain relieving agent and fever reducer.
Anti-inflammatory medication reduce the pain associated with swelling.
Muscle relaxers reduce pain from muscle cramping and spasms.
Adjunct medications may help reduce nerve sensitivity and are important in managing pain from peripheral neuropathy and other forms of nerve damage. These include medications such as gabapentin, topiramide, pregabalin and Cymbalta.
Narcotics inhibit morphine receptors in the nervous system thus reducing pain.
Therapies to manage pain are tailored specifically for the type of pain. Your physician will inform you regarding the best therapy to address your type of pain.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT NARCOTIC PAIN KILLERS
Narcotic medications are typically used in managing acute pain such as that associated with injury and surgery. Ideally, narcotics are discontinued as soon as possible in order to avoid the side effects and dangers associated with prolonged use. Narcotic medications can be used on a chronic basis in a few circumstances such as in the treatment of cancer pain and in certain musculoskeletal diseases. Inadequate use of opioids may lead to death.
Chronic opioid use can lead to several secondary conditions which include the following:
Opioid dependence is a physiologic condition that occurs with chronic use. This is a condition in which the cessation of narcotic use leads to withdrawal signs and symptoms. This is a physiologic adaptation to the presence of opioids. Dependence may be physical (chills, shaking, nausea, vomiting, sweats, malaise) or psychological (insomnia, hallucinations, mood changes, etc.).
Tolerance is also a physiologic response of the body where over time, higher doses of the opioid are required to achieve the same response.
Hormone imbalance occurs in over 90% of chronic opioid users. Hypogonadism and hormone imbalance occurs in both genders. Chronic opioid use may lead to decreased testosterone in both sexes and decrease leuteinizing hormone in women. The endocrine problems that result from chronic opioid use may lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures, mood changes, redistribution of fat and muscle tissue and decreased energy levels.
Opioid addiction is a condition where the user changes his or her social behavior to obtain medication illegally. Addiction includes compulsive behavior and misuse of the medication that leads to dangerous and unhealthy outcomes. Behaviors consistent with addiction include doctor shopping, pharmacy shopping, obtaining medication from other sources and using the medication for reasons other than pain control.
Urine drug testing and verification through the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System are used to try to mitigate improper drug use. Genetic testing, pill counting and spot urine testing are also used to thwart misuse. Close monitoring is used to prevent dangerous consequences from misuse.
Talk to your physician at Mission Pain and Spine about the best pharmacological option for you.