Chronic Pain Management Treatment

It may be surprising how many people suffer from chronic pain management, such as headaches, osteoarthritis and lower back pain etc. According to the Institute of Medicine, almost 100 million Americans deal with chronic pain management, at a cost of almost $600 billion a year. Most of these people use some form of medical chronic pain management to harness these recurring symptoms.

While some may utilize alternative therapies, which may include audio or visual stimulation and organic supplements or acupuncture, the most commonly form of chronic pain management is the use of over the counter or prescription painkillers.

Painkillers Must Be Monitored Closely to Be Safe

Many people with chronic pain use medications like Vicodin, Hydrocodone or Oxycontin to manage their symptoms. While most people try to adhere to their doctor's orders, many still fall into addiction. This is typically due to two reasons. First of all, even the most well- intentioned patients will attempt to alleviate pain symptoms if they flare up. These patients will often increase their dosage without consulting with their physician.

Secondly, there are many general practitioner physicians who are not as experienced with chronic pain management as they should be to prescribe these powerful pain medications. These inexperienced physicians may prescribe the wrong drug or fail to monitor their patient's progress adequately.

Prescription Drug Addiction is Difficult to Overcome without Assistance from Treatment and Recovery Specialists.

If you or someone you know has fallen into addiction to painkillers, it is vitally important that they admit themselves to a drug abuse treatment center. Treating a prescription drug addiction is exceedingly difficult, even for many experienced drug abuse rehabilitation therapists. It takes expert diagnostic and medical care to correctly determine all of the health issues and then remedy them.

Many people suffering from prescription drug abuse may already have resolved their underlying pain issue but develop phantom pain in order to justify taking the medication. Others, however, may still have chronic pain and require some form of chronic pain management. It takes a highly experienced physician to determine if there are any real health issues and how to address them successfully without exacerbating the addiction.

Medical and Psychological Therapies in Combination are Most Effective

The most successful addiction treatment programs for prescription drug abuse involve a two pronged approach that utilizes medical and psychological treatments. While the medical team primarily treats the chronic pain and the physical addiction, the psychiatric and psychological team work to ensure that the patient isn't using the painkillers to satisfy their need for mood elevation. If there is evidence of psychological addiction, the team will use intensive psychoanalysis to help the patient recognize the reasons for using prescription drugs. They will also provide tools for them to help manage their urge to resort to chemicals like behavioral management and cognitive retraining. These therapists are also likely to enlist the help of friends and family.

To learn more about where to go for chronic pain management call Alcohol Treatment Centers Stamford today at (877) 804-1531.