Non-cancer Pain

Opiates for pain relief in non-cancer chronic pain

Scientific advancements have significantly altered our understanding of the effectiveness and risks associated with opioid use for chronic pain management over the past decade. This evolving body of evidence has led to a reassessment of what constitutes good medical practice. For some, this shift in perspective can be challenging to comprehend and accept.

Previously, the pharmaceutical industry promoted opioid painkillers as safe and effective treatments for chronic pain. However, it has become clear that this was a misconception. These drugs are generally far less effective than previously believed, and their use often leads to the gradual and insidious development of tolerance. As tolerance builds, patients require higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms—in essence, addiction. Those addicted to prescription painkillers may slowly increase their usage, often without realising anything is amiss. This escalation is accompanied by a growing burden of side effects, with older and more vulnerable individuals particularly at risk. Dose-dependent side effects include respiratory suppression during sleep, which is why addiction to these medications significantly increases the risk of sudden death. The rise in drug-related fatalities linked to opioid use is now a major concern. Beyond being less effective than once thought, these drugs are also far more dangerous than previously recognised.

Further information is available here, or you can watch the video below.

Further information is available below :

• Action on Pain – Plan for Flare Ups
• Live Active – Understanding Pain in Less than 5 Minutes and What to Do About It
• Live Well with Pain – Explaining Pain
• NHS – The Pain Toolkit