Managing Pain Symptoms… Without Opioids

When dealing with chronic pain, one of the big reasons why people continue to use opioids is that they work. That argument might be starting to lose its hold over advocates of the painkiller. Researchers found in a recent study that stopping the use of opioids did not result in an increase in the perception of long term, non-cancer related chronic pain.

 

The study was conducted by Washington State University and their College of Medicine and was run with help by the Oregon Health and Science University and the Veterans Affairs of Portland Health Care System. Over 550 individuals were looked at during this time and were asked to rank their pain on a scale of 0-10. This is a common practice in many doctor’s offices and hospitals. 0 notes no pain whatsoever and a 10 is the most pain possible. Researchers used biostatistical analysis to monitor pain for 12 months prior to ending opioid use and for 12 months afterward.

 

The amount of pain experienced varied widely from person to person, both before and after opioid use. However, as a whole, it was found that pain either remained the same or even decreased once opioid use was ceased. Researchers involved in the study believe that this is an indication that opioid usage might not be the best thing possible for those dealing with pain, and that it might actually be more harmful than it is helpful.

 

Currently, researchers are looking at the different types and intensity of pain that was reported and are attempting to understand this better. The hope is that a deeper understanding of pain and how it manifests can lead to a better preventative plan so that pain is not experienced as harshly for people in the future. Managing pain is important, but if possible, it is far easier to minimize it in the first place. This will hopefully lead to a higher quality of life for people in the future. Although this study was very valuable for those that are currently dealing with chronic pain, it holds great promise for those of us who might be dealing with this issue in the future, too.

 

Managing pain might be even easier without opioids, new research suggests.

 

As always, it is important to speak with a doctor if you have questions about care for a loved one. This goes for things like pain management and medication, but it also applies to other concerns, like senior care. Your doctor can provide you with more guidance regarding what your mom or dad’s needs are, and what the best way to meet them will be. Any well balanced approach to care must involve the cooperation of a number of different people, and senior care is no different.

 

With that said, if you have questions about care and how in-home care might fit in with your loved one’s needs, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help families just like yours, and the combination of our experience, compassion, and knowledge might be exactly what you need to help your elderly parent live a better life.

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