Chronic pain is typically defined as pain lasting at least 3 to 6 months or that which persists past the time for normal tissue healing. A review in the National Library of Medicine explains that from a strictly biological perspective, “pain is an activation of the sensory nervous system’s nociceptive and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and has been described as an aversive sensory and emotional experience typically caused by or resembling that caused by, actual or potential tissue injury.” Chronic pain is a highly common condition, affecting an estimated 20% of people worldwide. It can occur as the result of several issues ranging from a potential underlying medical condition or disease to inflammation of injured tissue, to neuropathic pain. There are a variety of treatment options for chronic pain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points to evidence suggesting that certain treatments (e.g., nonopioid medications, nonpharmacological therapies, etc.) are safe and can provide relief to those suffering from chronic pain.
Nonopioid Pharmacologic Treatment
Nonopioid medications can be equally or more effective than opioid analgesics (pain relief medications that act on opioid receptors) in treating most pain types. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) provides the following nonopioid pharmacologic treatment options used specifically for the treatment of chronic pain:
- Oral pharmacologic agents:
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
- Celecoxib
- Diclofenac
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Antidepressant medications:
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma Sprinkle),
- Milnacipran (Savella)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):
- Amitriptyline
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Doxepin (Silenor)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Anti-seizure medications (anticonvulsants):
- Muscle relaxants (including benzodiazepines):
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Tizanidine
- Diazepam
- Topical pharmacologic agents:
- Diclofenac
- Capsaicin
- Lidocaine
- Medical cannabis (inhaled, oral, and topical)
- Phyto cannabinoids: plant-based THC and CBD
- FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids:
- Dronabinol (THC)
- Nabilone
Appropriate prescribing of nonopioid pharmacologic treatments will depend on one’s diagnosis, symptoms, pain type, comorbid conditions, and overall risk for adverse drug events. The complexities of chronic pain require a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. A customized treatment plan that considers an individual’s unique circumstances and is tailored to address his or her nuanced and distinct needs is essential to the efficacy of treatment.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long-lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment-related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
