ALTERNATIVES TO DRUGS -
MANAGING CHRONIC PAIN

 Chronic pain afflicts approximately 10-20% of the adult population. Many of these people may experience pain which could be relieved with proper treatment. Forms of chronic pain include:

• neuropathic pain (diabetic neuropathy, post herpetic neuralgia, post mastectomy pain, phantom limb pain, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD or
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
• musculoskeletal (back, knee, hip) pain
• fibromyalgia
• migraine
• rheumatoid arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• cancer pain 

 Pain is one of the most common reasons people consult a physician, yet frequently it is inadequately assessed and undertreated, resulting in needless suffering, lost productivity, and excessive healthcare expenditures. Successful long-term pain management requires rapid, flexible, and expert responses to the changing needs of the patient. Patients and their loved ones should never allow pain to continue amid concerns about "being a complainer," medication-related side effects, or fear of addiction or loss of control as a result of using pain medication. Patients with pain or other distressing symptoms that persist despite the best efforts of their current healthcare provider should request a referral or seek specialists in pain management or palliative care.

 Effective pain management is best achieved by a team approach involving the patient, his/her family, and health care providers. As soon as pain begins, it is important that a patient talks to a health care provider who is knowledgeable in pain management. Besides mitigating suffering, pain control is crucial because uncontrolled pain prevents patients from working productively, enjoying recreation, or taking pleasure in their usual role in the family and society.

 Our compounding pharmacists have received advanced training in the preparation of customized dosage forms to meet each patient's specific needs. We offer many unique options for pain management, regardless of pain origin and whether pain is acute or chronic. By working together with patient, physician, and other members of the health care team, we can individualize medications and make necessary adjustments to maximize pain relief.