PainWeek 2016

Developing and implementing prevention strategies that include psychosocial approaches has become critical in the face of the chronic pain epidemic.

Numerous pain medications are available, presenting a challenge for clinicians to determine which one is best for a particular patient.

“We have 2 big epidemics and we have 2 problems; we need to solve those problems…with complex public health solutions, better drugs, and better practice—not simply constant downward pressure on prescribing,” said Dr Passik.

Explaining the neurophysiological basis of pain has been found to positively affect pain levels.

To illustrate his point, Mr. Adler compared abuse-deterrent opioids with the advances in safety technology in the motor vehicle industry.

“Details matter” when taking an integrative approach to chronic pain care.

When considering prescribing opioids to a patient, Dr. Hopper first asks himself if this is the right diagnosis for opioids.

Dr Tick further discusses the need to assess vitamin D levels in pain patients.

“Interdisciplinary approaches should not be viewed as a treatment pathway on which to embark after other interventions have failed; rather, it should be the framework employed from the start of care,” said Dr Prasad.

The drugs most commonly used today in emergency departments are acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids, but that other medications and modalities may actually be more efficacious.