It's irritating to experience pain that doesn't disappear. It could be detrimental to your health and well-being. It can keep you from getting a restful quality sleep, eating healthy and exercising. It can affect your work performance and mood, and prevent your from having time with your friends and family. If you're one of 100 million Americans with chronic pain, also called chronic pain, you're aware of how debilitating and difficult it can be.

Every year millions of prescriptions are written for Medication Management -Many of which are powerful opioids that can cause addiction and other side consequences. However, there are other options for treating pain that aren't made of opioids.

Opioids

Opioids can be strong pain medication. Opioids are helpful when you are experiencing severe pain, such as pain following surgery or the fracture. If you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, they may help you manage your pain. If you are diagnosed with cancer, it is recommended to talk to a doctor who specializes in pain medicine, for instance, an anesthesiologist doctor, regarding the kind of opioid or alternative treatment is best for you.

Even though opioids are powerful medications, they're not the ideal choice option for chronic (chronic pain) conditions like back pain or arthritis. You may become addicted if you are using opioids for chronic pain for an extended period of time. If you are considering taking opioids to treat chronic pain, discuss with your doctor alternatives. Here's why:

Opioids have serious dangers and side effects.

Your body will eventually become adjusted to opioids and could stop giving Pain Management. To get the same relief, you may have to increase the dosage. The higher doses could produce serious side effects for example:

A slow heart beat can lead to serious health problems.

Confusion and mental disturbances, such as moodiness, or outbursts of temper

Constipation

Opioids can be addictive

One in four opioid users who take long-term use addiction. The worst part is that data suggests overdoses of opioid painkillers can lead to 115 deaths per day in the United States as well as hundreds of patients seeking help in emergency rooms.

Other chronic pain might be more effective and carry fewer risks than opioids.

Talk to your doctor about using these methods before you take opioids:

Over-the-counter medicines:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol generic and Tylenol)

Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin IB, as well as the generic)

Naproxen (Aleve, generic)

Non-drug treatments:

Massage, physical, or exercise therapy

Counseling

Acupuncture

"Cold" therapy, known as cryotherapy

Interventional treatments:

Steroid injections

Radiofrequency ablation (using the heat of a particular nerves)

Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation)

Other prescription medications (ask about risks and side negative effects):

Anti-seizure treatments

The procedures are covered by a majority of insurance companies, Medicare and other government programs. However, you should verify with your provider.

What should you do if your doctor prescribes opioids?

Discuss with your physician about side effect, risks or the possibility of addiction. Things to look out for include unusual moodiness or extreme tempers or cravings, as well as unusual risk-taking. Follow the advice of your doctor to take your medication. Also, ensure that you properly dispose off your opioids.

You should only take the prescribed opioids only as prescribed by your physician. Do not divulge your prescriptions to anyone.

Be sure to keep your medication away from children and other people.

Dispose of your expired, unneeded, and unused medications safely. This can be done by using local "take-back" or "mail-back" programs and drop boxes for medications.