How to Manage Chronic Pain Safely With Opioid Treatments

Prescription opioids have traditionally been used to manage certain types of pain, including cancer-related pain, post-surgical pain, and chronic pain disorders. However, opioid use carries the risk of unwanted side effects, addiction or dependence, and even fatal overdose when used improperly. At Pain Zero, our knowledgeable team of pain management experts is committed to helping patients find safer, nonaddictive solutions for managing chronic pain effectively. Scroll down to learn more about your options for non-opioid pain management, offered at our convenient locations in Central Ohio. 

What are the side effects of opioid use? 

While many opioids are illegal, even legally prescribed opioids can produce side effects, some of which can be severe. Common side effects that are experienced with opioid pain medication include:  

• Drowsiness/fatigue 
• Dry mouth 
• Constipation 
• Breathing problems 
• Sleep apnea 
• Itchiness 

To avoid the unwanted side effects of prescription opioids, talk to your provider about non-opioid alternatives for chronic pain management. Using non-opioid pain management solutions is a much safer and preferable course of action to start controlling your pain. At Pain Zero, we can assist patients in safely continuing and appropriately discontinuing the use of opioids - at times even with the help of an addictionologist - after which time we will work with the patient to identify an alternative for managing their pain. We closely follow the most current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines regarding opioids, which were updated in 2022 to reflect new recommendations for opioid tapering, as well as guidelines and recommendations from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other government agencies. 

Because Ohio is often considered the opioid capital of the nation – with opioid addiction cited as the number one cause of crime in Ohio – our providers are particularly invested in helping patients find safer, more effective, non-addictive ways to manage their pain. 

What non-opioid pain management options do I have? 

During your initial consultation for pain management in Central Ohio, our dedicated providers will discuss your symptoms and conditions, closely review your health history, and recommend the most appropriate non-opioid pain management solution for you to start. In many cases, non-opioid medications – some of which are available over the counter – can provide a tolerable level of pain relief that patients prefer over the risks and side effects of opioid medications. Additionally, we offer infusion systems, ITPs (implantable pain pumps), interventional behavioral therapy, and spinal cord stimulation. With any treatment, our providers will closely monitor your progress and symptoms to ensure your health, safety, and the most reliable level of comfort possible. 

Get the lasting relief and peace of mind you deserve without increasing opioids 

At Pain Zero, we are committed to helping patients avoid long-term opioid use – and its side effects – with the most current and effective non-opioid pain management solutions available today. To learn more about your options for non-opioid pain management and breaking your opioid addiction, call our locations in Central Ohio to schedule your private consultation today.