Chronic Pain & Opioid Treatment — An Overview

When Opioid Therapy Is Considered

Opioid medications are typically considered for chronic pain when non-opioid treatments — physical therapy, non-opioid analgesics, or interventional procedures — have not provided adequate relief. This decision is made by a licensed prescriber based on a full evaluation of the patient's condition.

Common Conditions

• Chronic lower back pain — often managed with extended-release formulations for steady coverage.
• Neuropathic pain (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia) — sometimes combined with adjuvant medications.
• Post-surgical pain — short-term opioid use during recovery, tapered under medical guidance.
• Cancer-related pain — often requiring continuous, higher-dose opioid coverage as part of palliative care.
• Advanced osteoarthritis — considered when other therapies no longer provide sufficient relief.

Medications Commonly Used

Depending on the condition and patient history, prescribers may consider medications such as Methadone, Oxycodone, Dilaudid (hydromorphone), Opana ER (oxymorphone), or Roxicodone. Each has a distinct potency, duration of action, and side effect profile, and the choice is always individualized.

Working With Your Prescriber

Chronic opioid therapy requires ongoing monitoring for effectiveness, side effects, and safe long-term use. Never start, stop, or change your dosage without consulting your prescriber.

To review specific medications, visit our medications page, or reach out to our team with questions about your order.