The CDC guidelines for chronic pain 2022 are a set of recommendations for clinicians to help them make informed decisions about pain management. The guidelines focus on the safe and effective use of opioids for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.
The guidelines make the following key recommendations:
- Avoid opioid use for chronic pain. Opioids should not be the first-line treatment for chronic pain. There are other, safer and more effective treatments available.
- Start with non-opioid pain medications. For acute pain, non-opioid pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, should be the first treatment option. For chronic pain, non-opioid pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or tricyclic antidepressants, can be used in combination with other therapies, such as physical therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Only use opioids for acute pain that is severe or does not respond to other treatments. If opioids are needed for acute pain, they should only be used for as short a time as possible and at the lowest effective dose.
- Use extended-release opioids only for chronic pain that is severe and does not respond to other treatments. If extended-release opioids are needed, they should only be used for as short a time as possible and at the lowest effective dose.
- Titrate the dose of opioids carefully. The dose of opioids should be titrated carefully to achieve pain relief with minimal side effects.
- Monitor patients for side effects and signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. Patients taking opioids should be monitored regularly for side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and drowsiness. They should also be monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.
- Consider tapering off opioids when pain is well-controlled. When pain is well-controlled, clinicians should consider tapering off opioids to reduce the risk of addiction and overdose.
In addition to these key recommendations, the guidelines also provide guidance on the following topics:
- The use of opioids for pain in special populations, such as older adults and pregnant women.
- The use of opioids for pain in patients with a history of substance use disorder.
- The use of opioids for pain in patients with mental health conditions.
- The use of opioids for pain in patients with cancer.
The CDC guidelines for chronic pain 2022 are an important resource for clinicians who are managing pain in their patients. The guidelines provide evidence-based guidance on the safe and effective use of opioids, and they can help clinicians to make informed decisions about pain management.
Here are some additional tips for managing chronic pain:
- Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to reduce pain and improve function.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can worsen pain.
- Manage stress. Stress can make pain worse.
- Learn relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can help to reduce pain.
- Join a support group. Talking to other people who are experiencing chronic pain can be helpful.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, it is important to talk to your doctor. There are many effective treatments available, and your doctor can help you find the best treatment for your individual needs.
