By Dr. Vivek Iyer (Dr. V)
February 1, 2022
PAIN IS A PHYSICAL WARNING
Pain is typically described as an unpleasant physical feeling that indicates something in or on the body may be wrong. This physical warning is also typically accompanied by an unpleasant emotional response. The body is capable of telling us, with practically every type of issue, that there is something going wrong. It is our job to listen to what our body is telling us and get the help it needs to feel and function better.
AFTER SURGERY PAIN - OPIOIDS DON'T ALWAYS WORK
One of the biggest misconceptions with pain after surgery is that opioids are the only way to manage it. This is absolutely incorrect and potentially can be dangerous. Opioids are to
be used only if needed; however, opioids do not change what is happening in the body after surgery. Patients may have muscle pain, nerve pain, and inflammation yet opioids do not help any of these pains.
PAIN & OPIOIDS: HOW DID WE GET TO THIS POINT?
The Opioid Crisis is not a recent event. There is a long-standing history that led our country to this point. For as long as medicine has been around, doctors have always looked to find the reason for someone's pain and address it. Where we lost our way was when we found drugs, including opioids; many helped the patient feel better, yet did not solve the cause of patient’s problem. The goal of making a patient feel better versus trying to fix the problem became more of a priority for many doctors. This process grew over the decades until we reached the point of the opioid crisis.
SOLUTION #1 - MEDICATIONS THAT ALLOW YOU TO FEEL AWAKE & EVEN DRIVE A VEHICLE
After surgery pain can be managed in a safe way that also allows you to feel awake and engaged with your loved ones. Many times a good non-opioid regimen for your
after surgery pain can also allow you to drive a vehicle and/or return to work without feeling foggy in your head.
SOLUTION #2 - SURGEONS & PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTORS WORKING TOGETHER
It is important to have a comprehensive approach and plan to your after surgery pain to ensure you receive the best results possible. This requires surgeons and pain management physicians to work together to create the ideal cocktail of medicines.
I initially practiced in Ohio and am proud to be one of Cincinnati Magazine's Top Doctors. Today I practice at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Goodyear, Arizona and was honored as one of Phoenix Magazine's Top Doctors. If you or a loved one is in need of pain management, I am only one phone call away. Find me at BetterPainControl.com
