Living With Pain During the Holiday Season

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / December 14, 2019 /

The holiday season has officially begun, but that doesn’t mean everyone is healthy enough to celebrate. Pain does not take a vacation or even ease up in honor of Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or any other holiday.

Opioids Are Not the Only Pain Medications That Can Be Abused

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / December 7, 2019 /

This article, in a slightly edited form, first appeared on Pain News Network on December 7, 2019.   Contrary to popular opinion, opioids don’t cause substance abuse. Opioids certainly may be abused, but it is human biology itself that drives drug abuse. We often get the message that any pain treatment would be better than…

Is At-Home DNA Testing a Scam?

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / November 30, 2019 /

DNA tests were first pitched to consumers as a way in which they could learn about their ancestry.

Punishment for Opioid Abuse Linked to Increase in Newborn Opioid Withdrawal

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / November 23, 2019 /

About half the states in the United States are willing to punish pregnant women in order to spare their babies the agony of being born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). Ironically, their efforts are having the opposite effect.

Replacing Opioids Has Just Been Made Harder

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / November 16, 2019 /

People in pain rely on scientific advances to find safer, more effective alternatives to opioids, and animal research is key to all early drug development. A recent announcement from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threatens to change that, inhibiting science’s ability to replace opioids and create new life-saving pain interventions.

Sleep Tips for Those Dealing with Chronic Pain

By Dylan Foster / November 9, 2019 /

Chronic pain is something you deal with on a daily basis. But remember, although pain can make sleep more difficult, it’s not impossible. There are several natural sleep methods you can explore to get the good night’s rest you’re after.

Canadian Survey Repudiates Government Policies Harming People in Pain

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / November 2, 2019 /

It is understandable that politicians want to reduce the harm from inappropriate use of opioids, but it should not be at the expense of people in pain. This is a human rights issue that must not be ignored.

Color Hurts

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 26, 2019 /

This article, in a slightly edited form, first appeared on Pain News Network on  October 26, 2019.   It is a myth that the matador’s red muleta incites rage in the bull and causes him to charge; the truth is, all cattle are colorblind. The bull does not charge because of the color, but because of…

The Annual Silver Pen Essay Contest

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 19, 2019 /

I’ve often said that writing can be therapeutic for people of all ages. The Annual Silver Pen Essay contest is a national program that invites seniors to contribute original essays and poetry. Entries are received at a central location in North Carolina, and then they are sent to their communities for judging.

Stephen F. von Till Shares an Original Poem Called “PAIN”

By Lynn Webster, M.D. / October 12, 2019 /

It is my privilege to share with you Stephen von Till’s poem, “Pain,” with his permission.

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