A UC Davis Health study published in JAMA found a 68% increase in overdose events and a doubling of mental health crises among patients who were on stable opioid therapy but saw their doses tapered.
Tag: chronic pain management
With gene therapy, scientists develop opioid-free solution for chronic pain
A gene therapy for chronic pain could offer a safer, non-addictive alternative to opioids. Researchers at the University of California San Diego developed the new therapy, which works by temporarily repressing a gene involved in sensing pain. It increased pain tolerance in mice, lowered their sensitivity to pain and provided months of pain relief without causing numbness.
New Recommendations Steer Doctors Away from Opioids to Treat Pain in Adolescent Athletes
Athletes commonly experience pain in practice and competition. Inadequate or inappropriate pain management in adolescent athletes can lead to a lifetime of consequences including increased risk of opioid misuse. A team physician consensus statement just released by ACSM and 5 other sports medicine organizations shares guidelines to identify and manage pain in athletes ages 10 to 18.
Rutgers Expert Discusses How to Manage Chronic Pain, Opioid Addiction During COVID-19
Many people trying to manage their pain and addiction have lost their support programs due to COVID-19. A Rutgers expert in Emergency Medicine discusses how patients can manage the disease during the coronavirus crisis.

UK Student, Military Researcher Explores Ways to Prevent Chronic Pain
Inspired by his time working for the Air Force and caring for wounded veterans, University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences doctoral candidate Josh Van Wyngaarden now studies ways to prevent chronic pain in those who have suffered traumatic leg injuries.
Other treatments can reduce need for addictive pain medication
Hardly a day goes by without the public being warned about the dangers of opioids. But still, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 130 people die every day of opioid overdose and the problem is getting worse. A Houston Methodist pain specialist says new advancements in pain management are giving patients options.