Over the last decade, there’s been a significant change in the way doctors prescribe painkillers.
Why? There was a big problem with too many people using, getting addicted to, and even overdosing on opioids.
But for many Americans who rely on these drugs to manage long-term pain, these changes have been hard.
Around 5 million people have found it challenging to get their medicine, find new doctors, or get different types of pain treatment.
In a new study, experts share their thoughts on how we can ensure these patients get the right care and aren’t burdened by its costs.
The Experts’ Suggestions
Researchers from the University of Michigan gathered ideas from specialists across Michigan. They looked at what studies say and combined that with their own experiences.
Their goal? To agree on the best ways to make things better for patients with chronic pain.
Changing the Insurance System: The way insurance companies currently pay doctors and other healthcare providers needs a rethink.
Right now, they don’t always cover all types of pain treatments or the costs to care for patients with chronic pain.
Educate Health Care Workers: Not just about how to care for pain, but also about spotting and treating opioid addiction.
And very importantly, understanding that pain and its treatment don’t look the same for everyone, especially considering racial differences and related prejudices.
Better Care Options: Patients who’ve been on opioids for a long time should have access to a full range of pain treatments.
This isn’t just about pills. There are many ways to treat pain, including physical therapy, counseling, injections, and even treatments like acupuncture.
For this to work, all kinds of health care workers need to be trained and paid appropriately. This includes doctors, nurses, therapists, and many others.
The Need for Change
Dr. Pooja Lagisetty, one of the main researchers, highlighted that there are some promising changes happening.
For instance, government health programs are looking at how they pay for these comprehensive pain treatments. But much more is needed.
One big problem she pointed out is the misunderstanding and negative feelings about opioid use.
People need to understand that these medicines, when used right, can help without causing harm. And that means providing various treatments, not just medication.
In the past, guidelines made to control opioid problems ended up making it hard for people with real pain to get help.
When they can’t get the medicine or care they need, some might turn to unsafe ways to manage their pain, putting their health and lives at risk.
Conclusion
Addressing chronic pain and the opioid crisis requires a balanced approach. It’s essential to recognize the real pain that many people experience and offer a variety of treatments.
But it’s equally important to ensure that the risks associated with opioid use are managed. Through collaboration, education, and understanding, a middle ground can be found to benefit all.
If you care about pain, please read studies about why long COVID can cause pain, and common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
For more information about pain, please see recent studies about why people with red hair respond differently to pain than others, and results showing this drug may relieve painful ‘long covid’ symptoms.
The study was published in the Journal of Pain Research.
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