Over the past decade, perceptions of using opioids and cannabis for pain relief have changed significantly. The ongoing opioid crisis and the relaxing of cannabis laws for medical and recreational use have reshaped public and medical opinions.
However, these changes also bring new challenges, especially for patients seeking primary care for chronic pain.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine, led by Dr. Mark Bicket from the University of Michigan’s Department of Anesthesiology, investigated how these changing attitudes are affecting patient care.
The research involved surveying more than 1,000 primary care physicians across the United States to understand their willingness to accept new patients dealing with chronic pain.
The results were telling. Of the 852 doctors who confirmed they were open to accepting new patients, around 20% said they would refuse patients prescribed opioids for pain relief.
Similarly, 12% expressed reluctance to take on patients using cannabis to manage their pain. By contrast, nearly all physicians were comfortable accepting patients using non-opioid painkillers like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), with only 0.1% expressing hesitation.
Dr. Bicket expressed concern for those patients who have been reliant on opioids for managing chronic pain, often referred to as “legacy patients.” These individuals may have been using opioids for an extended period and now face a difficult situation.
Finding new healthcare providers can be particularly tough if their regular doctor retires or if they need to move. For these patients, losing access to their medication can lead to significant health risks and complications.
The reluctance to accept patients using medical cannabis was also an unexpected finding. Dr. Bicket suggested that this hesitancy might be related to the conflicting legal status of cannabis at state and federal levels.
While many states have legalized cannabis for medical use, federal law still classifies it as a substance with no accepted medical benefits and a high potential for abuse.
This legal inconsistency complicates research efforts and creates uncertainty among medical professionals about its use and safety.
While the study did not explore in depth the specific reasons for physicians’ hesitance, it adds to growing evidence that patients using either opioids or cannabis often face more barriers in accessing healthcare.
Dr. Bicket empathized with both patients enduring chronic pain and the healthcare providers trying to navigate these complex issues.
He acknowledged the lack of clear, high-quality evidence guiding the use of opioids and cannabis for pain management, describing the situation as “flying in the dark.”
The study, which also included contributions from Elizabeth M. Stone, Kayla Tormohlen, Reekarl Pierre, and Emma E. McGinty, highlights the urgent need for clear guidelines and more research.
Such guidance could help physicians make informed decisions about managing chronic pain in an era where the use of controversial pain relief methods is becoming increasingly common.
This research underscores the ongoing struggle to find a balance between patient care and evolving drug policies.
As more patients turn to opioids or cannabis for relief, the lack of consistency in regulations and guidelines makes it challenging for doctors to offer effective and compassionate care.
For those interested in pain management, there are many resources to explore. Studies have investigated how to manage back pain effectively, and some have shown that krill oil may improve muscle health in older adults.
Other research suggests ways to live pain-free with arthritis and reveals that certain Native American plants might help reduce diarrhea and pain.
The study findings were published in Health Affairs Scholar and highlight a critical need for more research to help physicians better navigate the complexities of pain treatment in today’s evolving landscape.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage your back pain, and Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people.
For more information about pain, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
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