Pain Management

Pain Management is treatment that works to provide pain relief to patients using a varying amount of analgesic medications, opiates, and other non-narcotic medication depending upon the severity of pain and recovery time. It is often used after surgeries as a means to help patients recover in as little pain as is safe and possible. In order to ensure the safety of our patients when prescribing opioids we routinely do not:

• Prescribe long-acting opioids
• Prescribe more than a short course of short-acting opioids
• Refill lost, stolen, or destroyed prescriptions

We also advise all of our patients to be smart and safe during their recovery period, especially when it comes to their prescription drugs. We encourage you to abide by a three step process:

1. Use: Take your medications only as directed by your doctor. DO NOT share your medications with anyone—sharing your prescriptions is illegal and could endanger other people’s health. If you are taking benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.), consult with your doctor on the management of these medications with opioids.

• Combining opioids with these medications can slow or stop breathing.
• DO NOT mix opioid medications with alcohol.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how your medications affect you.

2. Store: Store your prescriptions securely in their original containers. Keep them out of  sight and out of children’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet or high shelf.

3. Dispose: Unused medications are best disposed of at a take back facility/pharmacy – search for public disposal locations here.

Dispose of medications immediately after your pain symptoms have resolved.