Avoid Addictive Opioids. Choose Safe Pain Management.

Shanda McNew - PRO PT

West Virginia had 1,377 deaths in 2020 related to drug overdoses — a 49.3% increase from 2019.

Doctor-prescribed opioids are appropriate in certain cases, including cancer treatment, palliative and end-of-life care, and in acute and surgical care when properly dosed. But it is crucial to remember that opioids only mask pain temporarily and risks of use can be deadly. Consider nonopioid approaches including physical therapy when:

● The risks of opioid use outweigh the rewards. Side effects of opioids include depression, withdrawal, overdose, and addiction. Experts agree that opioids should not be considered first line or routine therapy for chronic pain.

● You want to do more than mask the pain. Opioids reduce the sensation of pain by interrupting pain signals to the brain. Addressing the underlying cause to eliminate pain at its source is much more effective than simply covering it up.

● Your pain is related to low back pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, or fibromyalgia. Physical therapists help people manage or eliminate pain, reducing the need for opioid pain medicines and improving your mobility and quality of life.

● Even when your doctor prescribes opioids for pain. Even in situations when opioids are prescribed, treatment should be combined with nonopioid therapies, such as physical therapy.

● Your pain lasts more than 90 days. At this point, pain is considered "chronic" and the risks for continued opioid use increase. Nonopioid therapies are more effective for chronic pain and rarely do the benefits of opioid treatment for both pain and function outweigh the risks to the patient.

No one wants to live in pain, but treating pain takes teamwork and safer pain management alternatives. Before you agree to prescribed opioids, ask your doctor if physical therapy might be right for you.