The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed the following guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain for pain management. Keep in mind that the guideline is not intended for patients in active cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care. The CDC guideline was developed to improve communications between patients and doctors about the risks and benefits of opioid use for chronic pain, to provide safer more effective chronic pain care, and to help reduce opioid use disorder and overdose.

Three Main Principles of CDC

The three main principles that the CDC wanted to make clear in their guideline were: nonopioid therapy is preferred for chronic pain outside of the three groups listed above. When opioids are used, the lowest possible effective dose should be prescribed, and patients should be closely monitored when prescribed opioids.

CDC Guidelines for Pain Management

The CDC developed the guideline claiming that they followed a transparent and rigorous scientific process using the best available scientific evidence, consulting with experts and communicating with the public and partners. CDC overall recommendations are:

  • Opioids are not first line therapy.
  • Establish goals for pain and function.
  • Discuss risks and benefits.
  • Use immediate-release opioids when starting opioid therapy for chronic pain.
  • Use lowest effective dose
  • Prescribe short durations for acute pain.
  • Evaluate benefits and harms frequently.
  • Use strategies to mitigate risk.
  • Review prescription drug monitoring data (PDMP).
  • Use urine drug testing.
  • Avoid concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine prescribing.
  • Offer treatment for opioid use disorder.
  • There are Other Options

    There are many other options for chronic pain management today, such as Medical Marijuana, Nerve Block Injections, Physical Therapy, and many others. The important thing is that you work closely with your pain management doctor to solve your individual problem of chronic pain.  Keep all of your appointments and communicate with the doctor. Remember, your overall health is what’s important. The CDC guidelines for pain management are suggestions that are currently under review with the American Medical Association (AMA).

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