chronic pain
Canadian Survey Repudiates Government Policies Harming People in Pain
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.
Read MoreColor Hurts
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…
Read MoreChronic Pain Accelerates Dementia
It can be argued that the most common type of dementia is associated with chronic pain. The amount, or severity, of dementia appears to be associated with the severity and duration of chronic pain. Undertreated or untreated chronic pain may accelerate dementia.
Read MoreTherapies of the Heart
In a recent blog, I noted that I would share my thoughts about pain management education with the NIH. I did so. A slightly edited form of my letter to the NIH follows. In the original, I included a formal bibliography. In this version, I have used hyperlinks for your convenience.
Read MoreWhat “Rocketman” Tells Us About Pain and Addiction
Adverse childhood experiences rewire the brain. The heightened response to stress that some children develop can affect the reward center of the brain and the executive functioning of the prefrontal cortex. It can also result in maladaptive behaviors associated with pain and addiction.
Read MoreIs Postpartum Pain Control a Crap Shoot?
I worried that the hospital’s choice to lessen the amount of drugs prescribed, rather than focusing on patients’ clinical needs, might mean my daughter’s need for pain control would be unmet. The idea of my daughter enduring inadequately treated pain haunted me, as it would any father, but as a pain specialist, it may have troubled me even more.
Read MoreIs Fentanyl a Weapon of Mass Destruction?
However, before we classify the chemical fentanyl as a WMD, we need to know what that would mean for its legitimate use during surgery, or for cancer and chronic pain patients. Access to the medication for the treatment of pain must be part of the calculus in assessing if a relatively safe and effective drug should be classified as a WMD.
Read MoreWhen Will Forced Tapering of Opioids End?
Will the DEA stop pursuing doctors who treat pain patients with levels of opioids that exceed the guideline’s recommendations? For Larry and other pain patients who have been forcibly tapered, the answer may be a matter of life and death.
Read MoreOregon’s Proposed Tapering Policy Is Still Undecided
Forced Tapering Proposal On March 14, 2019, the Oregon Health Authority Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) had planned to vote on a proposal that could affect thousands of Medicaid patients in Oregon. The proposal would limit Medicaid coverage of opioids to 90 days for chronic pain patients. Those who have been using opioids for more…
Read MoreOver-Prescribing Did Not Cause America’s Opioid Crisis
Over-Prescribing Did Not Cause America’s Opioid Crisis
Read More