A more integrative approach to pain management, that bridge puts research into practice is the concept of self-manage which supports using non-opioids for the treatment of chronic pain. These interventions have been delivered in individual, group and online formats for a variety of different pain conditions. These are the tasks that individuals must do for themselves to manage chronic pain and are essential parts of the treatment plan and should be offered by clinicians and reimbursed by insurance. Examples of core self-management activities include, yoga, massage, acupuncture, mediation, and other integrative approaches. Self-management empowers individuals with chronic pain to make more informed choices and to become participants in care and not recipients of care. Clinicians can play a critical role in supporting self-management through answering questions, providing advice, addressing barriers and facilitators, and encouraging in the participation of self-management practices that are evidence-based.
Access “Goodbye Opioids, Hello Self-management Supporting Non-drug Alternatives for Persistent Pain” at: https://pcssnow.org/event/goodbye-opioids-hello-self-management-supporting-non-drug-alternatives-for-persistent-pain/