Research by Substance and Mental Health Services Administration has shown that those on Medicare are the fastest growing population with opioid use disorders. However, older Americans believe those ages 20-39 are most at-risk for opioid addiction or dependence, not their peers. Fortunately, many in this population also responded to a survey saying that they would be open to trying non-opioid alternatives, but need more information about the other options available. The older generation is particularly at risk for opioid use disorders because of declining health and higher rates of surgical treatment. Surgery has become an unintentional gateway to persistent opioid use, meaning many patients are still taking these medications three to six months after their surgical procedure. At any age, it’s important to know steps you can take to manage your pain effectively and responsibly.

Find Out What to Expect

It’s important to understand how much pain should be expected, what the plan is to manage pain, and how the pain medication can be expected to work. Depending on the kind of procedure undergone, being pain-free immediately may not be a reasonable goal.

Ask your doctor or surgeon what types of medications are typically prescribed for your type of procedure and if opioids are really necessary. If they are, discuss how long you will be expected to take them, and how they should be used. Have a full and open conversation and ask questions such as

• What is the lowest dose that I can take?

• What is the likelihood for dependence or addiction and how easy will this be to discontinue?

• Is there any concern if I don’t take opioids and try to tough it out?

• How and when should I safely dispose of any leftover opioid pills, so they are not left in the home and available for potential diversion?

Ask your doctor what kind of activity you can do and when. Sometimes the post-operative pain felt after surgery is not actually from the surgery but from lying in bed all day. If advised by your doctor, getting up more frequently, walking around, and performing some light stretches may decrease your need for pain medication and accelerate your recovery.

Multimodal Treatment

Pain relief is best achieved using a variety of treatments. This allows you to avoid unwanted side effects that may come with using large doses of a single medication. Your healthcare team may use a multi-modality analgesia, and a local or regional anesthetic might be an option. Ice or heat may be helpful, in addition to other non-pharmacological options. Physical therapy, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, tai chi, yoga and chiropractic care are proven especially useful in treating chronic pain.

Knowledge is Power

The more we can bring awareness and education to our patients about pain treatments available, the better you as a patient can be empowered in your health journey. Utilize the tools available to you, and maintain communication with your healthcare professionals to navigate your pain management in the more effective and healthy way possible.