Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management

Overview of Opioids
Opioids are a class of pain-relieving drugs that attach to opioid receptors in the body. The opioids block various pain signals from reaching the brain, thus relieving pain. Doctors prescribe opioids to treat patients recovering from surgery or experiencing significant pain levels. While opioids can be effective, they carry risks and are highly addictive when used over long periods of time. Some commonly prescribed opioids include codeine, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.

Why Find Alternatives?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 2 million Americans misuse opioids. Every day, at least 90 people in the United States die because of opioid overdose. Potential side effects of opioids include nausea and sleepiness as well as more serious side effects such as slowed heart rate and shallow breathing. People who suddenly stop taking opioids often experience insomnia and jittery feelings. When people take opioids for extended periods, their bodies can become reliant on the drug and they might take more and more medication to find relief from the pain.

Opioids can be taken safely if used under a doctor’s supervision. However, you might want to avoid opioid side effects and reduce the risk of addiction. There are several alternatives to opioid medications when managing pain.

Alternatives to Opioid Medications for Pain Relief
Non-opioid pain medications can be just as effective as opioids in relieving pain. In fact, many of these medications are available over the counter. Ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin (Bayer), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and steroids all work to treat pain. Each medication is best-suited for different types of pain, and your doctor can help you figure out the best medicine or combination of medications.

Non-Drug Pain Treatments
Some patients wish to avoid medications altogether or integrate non-drug therapies into their pain management routine. The American College of Physicians recommends non-drug treatments as the first line of pain treatment. These can include acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, yoga, massages, and exercise. Many patients find relief from these treatments without needing medication. Based on your individual needs, your doctor at Allpria Healthcare will help you find the right opioid alternative.

Opioid Alternatives at Allpria Healthcare
Allpria Healthcare is dedicated to helping you manage pain effectively. If you are interested in seeking alternatives to opioid medications, Allpria Healthcare offers a variety of options, and we can help you find the best one. Please contact Allpria Healthcare at 720-307-7246 for a free phone consultation. 

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