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According to the Centers for Disease Control, prescription opioid sales have quadrupled in the United States since 1999. However, there has not be an increase in the number of Americans reporting pain. In correlation to the rise of opioid sales, overdose deaths have also quadrupled in the same timeframe
The Epidemic
Why has opioid use become a problem? Such painkillers are easily accessible and very commonly dispensed by physicians. While they can effectively help patients to manage their pain, prescription opioids have very similar effects on the brain as heroin and morphine. Their chemical structures make all three drugs highly addictive.
As a result of the overdose deaths sweeping our nation, the opioid epidemic is something to be concerned about. In 2012, there were 259 million prescriptions written for the drug; that’s enough for every adult in the country to have their own bottle of pills! Instead of emergency rooms treating over 1,000 people a day for the misuse of prescription opioids, choose physical therapy instead. While it is likely that chronic pain can be better treated with physical therapy, there are instances in which the responsible use of opioids is the solution.
Proper Use of Opioids
The Centers for Disease Control have outlined guidelines for safe prescription opioid use. Under certain circumstances, it can be the right choice for pain management.
The public health institute names the following four scenarios in which patients should use opioids:
- Cancer treatment
- Palliative care
- End-of-life care
- Acute care situations, when properly dosed
When to Choose PT
Physical therapy is a healthier alternative to prescription painkillers. Oftentimes, it is more effective for patients – even those who are not at risk to become addicted to opioids. When the pain should be resolved rather than masked, physical therapy should be your choice.
The following functionality issues are not likely to be resolved using drugs:
- Low back pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia
If you are suffering from chronic pain, contact Integrated Rehabilitation Services. Explore our areas of service to see if physical therapy is the right choice.