Prescribing Pain Medications: Focusing on Safe and Effective Treatments

Scott Metzger, MD, SEM Pain Consulting, provides some insight into prescribing pain medications. Chronic pain affects an estimated 100 million Americans, or one-third of the U.S. population. Approximately 25 million people experience moderate to severe chronic pain with significant pain-related activity limitations and diminished quality of life. In addition to the burden of suffering, pain is the primary reason Americans are on disability.

Although numerous therapies are available for treatment of chronic pain, an estimated 6 million Americans use opioids for long-term management of chronic pain. Some data significant increase in opioid prescriptions and use over the past 20 years. This increase in opioid prescriptions has paralleled the increase in opioid overdoses and hospital admissions. In fact, hospital admissions for prescription painkillers have increased more than fivefold in the last two decades. Yet, evidence also indicates that 40 to 70% of people with chronic pain are not receiving proper medical treatment, with concerns for both over- and under-treatment of chronic pain. For a safe and effective painkiller, visit EU Meds online clinic.

Many pain experts are questioning whether we are approaching chronic pain in the best possible manner that maximizes effectiveness and minimizes harm.