Chronic pain, most simply defined, is pain that continues when it should not. One of the key components of managing chronic pain is finding the right painkiller.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Pain
According to the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA), the best approach to managing pain is for a person to discuss carefully with his or her healthcare provider the potential risks versus benefits of a new medication (or other treatment). In other words, be proactive in your pain health, and be open and candid with your healthcare provider about your pain.
If you think you may need an additional, stronger, or different painkiller, ask yourself these four questions. If you answer “yes” to any of them, you likely do.
Do you frequently have breakthrough pain?Is your current medication becoming less effective at controlling your pain?Is your daily routine getting harder?Is your quality of life decreasing?
Know Your Options
Before you ask for stronger medication, it is a good idea to learn about your options. In general, four classes of medications are used to treat chronic pain:
Non-Opioids: These include aspirin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen. Opioids: Also referred to as narcotics, these include morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and methadone. The medication Tramadol works on the opioid receptors, although it is not an opioid. Adjuvant Analgesics. These medications were originally used to treat other conditions, but they’re now sometimes also used in pain relief. Examples include certain antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Other: Other medications that don’t directly relieve pain, such as drugs to ease insomnia, anxiety, depression, and muscle spasms, may be part of your pain management regimen.
Additional pain-easing options that do not come in “pill” form may include injections, patches, or even surgery.
There are also non-medication options that in combination with a painkiller (or potentially alone) can help a person best manage their pain and function fully in life. These often include practicing relaxation strategies, mindfulness meditation, stretching, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exercise programs like yoga or tai chi.
Will You Look Like an Addict?
While it’s true that opioid painkillers are one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs, asking for them does not necessarily target you as an addict.
Some people with chronic pain conditions simply cannot manage their pain with other types of medications. The attitudes toward the role of opioids in pain management are also changing.
Most healthcare providers will consider the benefits of a stronger painkiller versus the potential risks. Stronger painkillers like opioids carry a higher risk of tolerance and abuse, but if they could possibly increase your quality of life, they may be worth a try.
A Word From Verywell
Remember, for the best outcomes, your healthcare provider needs to follow up with your treatment regularly. In other words, medical supervision is key when you are managing your chronic pain. Tapering off or escalating up a medication can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, so it’s extremely important this is done under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
