Chronic pain management is one of the most difficult issues we come across in the office. Physicians want to help sufferers having chronic discomfort live much more productive and comfortable lives. We feel the occasionally conflicting responsibilities to effectively manage pain while at the same time taking care to avoid becoming suppliers for the prescription drug abuse epidemic that is sweeping our nation. More middle aged men and women in Oregon pass away of prescription drug overdose than die in motor vehicle accidents.

It is important to build a clear treatment plan for chronic pain with your physician. Part of this strategy includes identifying ways for you to manage your pain. Only you know the severity of your pain and how it impacts your life. Be sure to ask if you are not clear about what steps you can take when pain occurs or gets worse.

Medications or a combination of medications and other treatment plans may be used to relieve pain, inflammation, depression, and sleeping problems that are linked to chronic pain.