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The Zohydro Controversy: The Future (Part III)








In my opinion, the future of pain management with any of the long acting opioids is uncertain. Zohydro is no exception.  Some of this depends on where you live. As I mentioned in part II, It's not just a question of the DEA or FDA or State Health Boards of Health calling the shots now.  Regulation seems to be expanding in various states/cities/localities.  This is a new twist, and a new challenge in the world of pain management.

That being said, it is clear that new roads to pain management are emerging.  I have posted information about new devices on the marketplace for treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and migraine headache. These are new relatively new ideas, and where they fit into the scheme of things remains to be seen. They may be more cost effective than medication...and provided that they successfully treat conditions as claimed, without problems, there is hope. Clinical investigation of drugs not initially marketed for pain management is underway- oxytocin and HCG are examples of this.

Non medicinal alternatives to pain medication have been around for a long time.  There are many to try, and they can usually be combined with other alternative practices or medication for enhanced effect. Some of them don't require payment in terms of dollars and cents; instead it may take physical or mental effort to make them work. Yoga, acupuncture and meditation exemplify this avenue of approach.

I really do not believe that chronic pain is all in someone's head. Pain and suffering are real; and in an ideal world, relief would come in pill form, without fear of addiction or side effects.  Sadly, that is not the world we live in. So it is necessary to be adaptable, and to use what means we have to keep our lives as pain free and fulfilling as possible.

Image source: Wikimedia


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