There is no question that chronic pain can be tough to deal with. While opioids are effective for treating acute pain, there has been a growing concern over their use due to the addictive nature of these medications. As such, it has become more critical than ever for the best functional medicine doctors near me to explore non-opioid options when treating chronic pain patients. Let's explore this treatment so you can decide if it might work for you. If you are looking for non opioid treatment for chronic pain in Katy, TX, we can help you.
Differences between opioids and non-opioid treatments
When it comes to managing chronic pain, there are a variety of different treatment options available. However, one of the most common debates is between using opioids or non-opioid treatments. There are differences between these two types of treatments, which can be important to understand when making a decision about which one is best for you.
One of the biggest differences between opioids and non-opioid treatments is that opioids are addictive. This means that they can be habit-forming and lead to dependence. Non-opioid treatments, on the other hand, are not addictive and do not pose the same risk for dependence. Another difference between opioids and non-opioid treatments is that opioids can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness.
Non-opioid treatments can have fewer side effects when it comes to nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Some examples of non-opioid treatments for chronic pain include:
● Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
● Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
● Analgesic topical creams
● Narcotic drugs other than opioids
○ e.g., narcotics such as morphine, which causes dependence but not addiction ● Various physical therapies
○ e.g., neural stimulation, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy
● Medications for mood disorders
○ e.g., antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) ● Colony-stimulating factors
○ e.g., G-CSF used to stimulate bone marrow stem cells to produce more white blood cells
Decide which type of treatment is right for you
You may be in a lot of pain, and you may have been taking opioids. You think that opioids might not be a good idea in the long run. You want to stop using them, but you're not sure if it's safe or what you should do. If you have been taking opioids, talk to your center for integrative medicine in Katy, TX about whether you can take another type of medication for the pain according to your case. It is also possible to make some lifestyle changes to avoid or reduce pain from underlying causes.
Know what to expect from your treatment plan
Discuss your treatment plan with your family and friends to know what the experience is going to be like. Know what to expect from your treatment plan, including side effects of the drugs. Find out which medications are best for you, based on cost, possible side effects, and how well they work for other patients who have had chronic pain.
Know what your physician is responsible for, which includes: listening to you and answering any questions, providing care that is safe and effective, referring you to a specialist if he/she doesn't have the knowledge or skills to provide appropriate therapy for treating chronic pain.
Know what your rights are, such as: getting prescriptions from only one specialist at a time; confidentiality of health records; the right to manage the treatment plan yourself. If you aren't satisfied with how things are going with treatment, speak up about it by telling him/her so. All medical decisions should be made between you and your doctor — no one else.
Get started with a treatment plan that works for you
When you're looking for a treatment plan that works for you, it's important to find something that is sustainable. That means finding a plan that you can stick to over the long term. It's also important to find a plan that addresses your specific needs.
Your chronic pain is a real problem. It's important to remember that there are many treatments for it, and not all of them involve opioids. Non-opioid treatment for chronic pain in Katy, TX is an effective way that will allow you to live your life without fear of addiction or withdrawal symptoms with the potential for increased benefits over time.
We want you to know how each treatment works so that you can choose the one that will work best for your lifestyle and needs. Book an appointment with Tree Of Life in order to get started on a plan tailored specifically for your situation.