That emphasis on topical painkillers — and stance on opioids — are good to see, according to Dr. Houman Danesh, a pain management specialist who was not involved in the guidelines.
“It’s important for doctors to feel supported in not using opioids,” said Danesh, who directs the division of integrative pain management at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
With the United States years into an opioid abuse epidemic, medical societies have been advising doctors to rein in their prescribing of the drugs when other options are available.
Yet the drugs are still commonly prescribed for musculoskeletal pain, Wilt said. Danesh agreed, noting that patients sometimes ask for them.
It is true that NSAIDs can have side effects, like stomach upset or internal bleeding — especially if used for a prolonged time. And some people are at increased risk of side effects from NSAIDs or acetaminophen, including older adults and people with heart, kidney or liver disease.
That’s why topical NSAIDs are suggested as a first choice: They have fewer side effects, LeRoy said.
On balance, though, NSAIDs and acetaminophen are safer than opioids, and often ease acute pain, the guidelines say.
Danesh did note that inflammation is part of the body’s natural response to acute injury. And in general, he said, he tells patients that if the pain is tolerable, they can see how they do without oral NSAIDs.
There are non-drug options, too, LeRoy said.
Two were singled out in the recommendations: acupressure and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Trials show they help ease pain and — in the case of acupressure — may improve people’s physical functioning.
Some others — like physical therapy and massage — were not cited in the guidelines but might help some people, according to LeRoy.
The good news is musculoskeletal pain usually wanes within four to six weeks, according to Danesh. “If it doesn’t,” he said, “you may need a referral to someone like me.”
Ultimately, Danesh said, it’s best to try to figure out the root cause of musculoskeletal pain. If imbalances in muscle strength or unconscious postural habits are underlying the pain, that should be addressed.
WebMD News from HealthDay
Sources
SOURCES: Timothy Wilt, M.D., professor, medicine, Minneapolis VA Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis; Gary LeRoy, M.D., president, American Academy of Family Physicians, Leawood, Kan.; Houman Danesh, M.D., associate professor, anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and director, integrative pain management, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City;Annals of Internal Medicine, Aug. 17, 2020, online
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