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OUR VIEW Our View: Alternatives offer hope without drugs for chronic pain MailTribune.com Writer Posted Nov. 13, 2015 @ 12:01 am Posted Nov. 13, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Social News p bs:newslist StartDate="20121121" EndDate="p bs:datecalc Months="3"" DateSort="1" UseObjects="1" ObjectClass="81" Taxonomywords="2325,665" ExactTaxonomyMatch="1" Image="1" Count="4" --> As much as we like to think modern medicine has everything figured out by now, the truth is doctors and researchers are constantly learning, and the standard of care changes along with that knowledge. Treating pain is a prime example of those shifts, and patients are feeling the effects. In the long run, they — and society as a whole — will be better off, but it's no fun while it's happening. Decades ago, doctors were hesitant to prescribe opioid painkillers because of their addictive properties. Patients suffered under that protocol because their pain was not adequately treated. Then, as Dr. Jim Shames, medical director for Jackson County Health and Human Services explained in a story in last Sunday's Mail Tribune, the common practice shifted to over-prescribing pain pills. That led to growing numbers of addicted patients, which in turn led to soaring numbers of overdoses. Deaths from prescription opioid overdoses in Oregon went from 48 in 2000 to 239 in 2006. The medical community has responded with a concerted effort to wean patients off opioid medications and prescribe them more carefully. New research — there's that learning process again — has indicated that opioids, which are good for temporary, acute pain after surgery or a broken bone, are only 30 percent effective for long-term, chronic pain. Shames says doctors are emphasizing to patients that exercise, physical therapy, getting adequate sleep and cognitive behavioral therapy can produce better results. The National Safety Council says safer, non-addictive medications, such as a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can actually be more effective than opioids such as oxycodone and morphine. No one, least of all doctors, wants to see people endure severe, chronic pain without relief. But perpetuating addiction is not the answer. Another side effect of the overuse of opioids is the risk that legally prescribed pills will find their way to the streets, where they command high prices on the black market. Even more troubling, people addicted to pain pills who can no longer obtain them legally may turn to heroin, a dangerous street drug that satisfies their addiction and is cheaper and easier to get than black-market prescription pills. The good news is the pain research that says opioids may not be the answer is also coming up with new, non-drug treatments such as devices that stimulate the spinal cord or use current to destroy the nerve tissue that is sending pain signals. The insurance industry, always reluctant to cover treatments it considers "unproven," needs to join in the medical shift by embracing more new technology. Every patient is different, and doctors must help each find the approach that works best while reducing the risk of addiction. Overprescribing opioids isn't good for anyone, even if making the transition to alternative treatments is hard to do. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Nov. 13, 2015 @ 12:01 am » Comment or view comments Terms of Service /* $( document ).ready(function() { // Jquery mobile is trying to style the button and leaving a blank gry button on top of a white button $("#viafouracoms .vf-comment-controls li.vf-right").html(' Submit '); });*/ » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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