Chronic pain and opiates: balancing pain control and risks in long-term opioid treatment.
The risks and benefits of opioid analgesics for chronic pain conditions and diseases are discussed in the context of the concern about the public health problems of poorly managed pain and prescription drug abuse and addiction. New strategies for risk management in treating patients with chronic pain are described. Opioids for chronic pain may be used effectively in the context of clinical strategies for risk management and selectively tailored, biopsychosocial pain management.


OBJECTIVE
To present the case for balanced use of opioid therapy in the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
Gallagher
Rollin M
RM
Pain Service, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, University and Woodland Aves, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. rgallagh@mail.med.upenn.edu
Rosenthal
Lisa J
LJ
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid