Medication Management

Opioids are a type of medication that manage pain by reducing the intensity of the pain signals that are sent to the brain. They are most often prescribed for pain caused by acute injuries or to address pain after surgery. For instance, it is common to receive a short-term prescription of an opioid medication like hydrocodone after oral surgery.

Every year, millions of individuals suffer from conditions that cause chronic pain. Chronic pain can severely affect your ability to participate in work or in recreational activities. It can have a severe effect on your general outlook.

Long-term use of opioids to control chronic pain can lead to complications that include addiction and tolerance. However, there are currently no analgesic medications that have the high pain killing properties of opioid medications without the potential for abuse. Because of these factors, it is important to carefully plan and monitor the use of opioid medicines and take an integrated approach to pain management.

Opioid medication management involves a great deal of interaction between the patient and our medication management professionals. We will work together to ensure that your pain is addressed properly. We will also keep a lookout for possible side effects and interactions with other medications that you may be taking. Our medication management can include:

• A comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, including information about your current condition and the medications you are taking.
• A written treatment plan to help you manage pain.
• Signing of a controlled substance agreement that includes information about taking medications as prescribed and the responsibility to take medication safely.
• Education about the medications that you will be taking.
• Maintenance of detailed records about your medications, any side effects and how well they control your pain.
• Periodic review of the treatment plan, which can be amended as needed to ensure that you are always getting the best and safest possible care.

Opioid pain medication is typically used in conjunction with other treatments to aid healing and alleviate pain. We work with you to provide the best pain management, safely.

Opioids are often prescribed for acute pain after an injury or surgery. They are also routinely used to control pain associated with cancer and cancer treatments. Because of the risk of side effects and dependency, they are used more conservatively for the treatment of chronic pain. Chronic conditions that may warrant the use of opioids include:

• Low back pain
• Neuropathic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis

Whenever possible, we will work with you on ways to combat the underlying condition that is causing your chronic pain. By addressing pain management and healing together, we can help you reduce your pain levels while regaining mobility.

At Clearway Pain Solutions Institute, we bring together professionals from a range of disciplines to ensure that you are getting the optimum care for your chronic pain. Our healthcare professionals provide compassionate and conscientious care to help you manage your pain effectively. Call today for an appointment.