Pain management experts have a crucial role to play in combatting the opioid crisis, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
September is Pain Awareness Month, and the ASA is highlighting opioid alternatives that pain management specialists can provide. Pain in a specific site, such as a pinched nerve, slipped disc or traumatic injury, is better treated through nerve blocks or stimulation therapy than opioids, according to the release.
The ASA describes non-opioid therapies for back pain, including nerve blocks, as a variety of non-addictive medications and spinal stimulation. "For some people, zero pain may not be possible," said ASA President James D. Grant, MD, but pain specialists can significantly reduce their patients' pain through non-opioid means.
To learn more about ASA's recommendations, click here.