AAPM advocates for diagnosing and addressing pain by prioritizing the patients needs and preferences. It should also take into account all aspects of a patient's condition, and involve different healthcare professionals working together. Chronic pain can be caused by many different things, meaning it can be treated and managed in many different ways. These options could include interventional techniques, use of medications, like opioids if necessary, and also the rehabilitation approaches, amongst others.
Sadly, chronic pain doesn't come with a cure. So, basically, going for treatment just helps reduce the pain, improve quality of life, and alleviate suffering. This can involve using medications and other non-medication approaches.
Certain research suggests that one's emotional state can influence their response, to pain. By gaining insight into the source of your pain and discovering coping strategies you have the potential to improve your quality of life. Key pain management strategies include:
AAPM believes in working together to address pain control and overall well-being if biological, psychological, and social factors are put into consideration. COT, short for Chronic opioid therapy are given to individuals who suffers from severe and long-lasting pain that hasn't improved while using other treatments. With that said, AAPM does not recommend opioids as the first choice of treatment, but we believe that these medications can be helpful if prescribed with care and as part of a logical treatment plan. Of course, the doctor must be calculative and experienced during prescription. This is to avoid addiction, respiratory depression, diversion, dependence, and other adverse effects. We also think that doctors should not be afraid of getting in trouble with the law or facing regulatory consequences when prescribing opioids responsibly.
Now, speaking of addiction, this is a very serious issue that should not be taken lightly for all patients who are on opioids. Physicians should take caution and responsibility so as to reduce the chances of their patients being an addict.
However, if individuals lack a grasp of addiction and incorrectly label individuals as addicts there is a possibility that these individuals may be refused the necessary opioid medications. When making choices healthcare providers should also take into account the potential for addiction. Evaluate it in relation to the advantages of the treatment. Their objective is to reduce the likelihood of addiction as they can. In circumstances however it may become essential to consult with an expert in addiction medicine, for treatment.