Opioids
Which populations are more at risk factors for opioid use disorder (OUD)?
-Older adults - younger adults -mental health disorders -history of alcohol or substance abuse
What are some common non-pharmacological approaches to managing pain?
-exercise therapy -physical therapy -psychosocial strategies like self-efficacy -relaxation techniques
What does FBSS stand for?
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.
What is the term for a numeric scale commonly used by adults to self-report pain intensity?
Numeric rating scale (NRS)
What does opioid tolerance mean, and why is it important?
-Opioid tolerance is when the same dose of an opioid becomes less effective with prolonged use.
-It's essential because it can impact the effectiveness of pain management
Name the most common over-the-counter medication that is often used for pain relief
Acetaminophen
Which factors can predispose a patient to develop FBSS?
anxiety, depression, psychiatric comorbidities, obesity, smoking, and physical or radiologic findings like stenosis, fibrosis, and disc herniation
What type of chronic pain affects approximately 20% of the population and often coincides with mood and anxiety disorders?
Chronic pain
What are some side effects of opioid dependency?
- Tolerance -Withdrawal symptoms -Changes in the brain's physiology -Changes in behaviours
What is the primary role of psychologists in the management of chronic pain
-Counseling -cognitive behavioral therapy -psychodynamic therapy to address the psychological aspects of pain
What imaging study is commonly used to diagnose lumbar spinal stenosis?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Which medication class includes gabapentin and pregabalin, often used to treat chronic neuropathic pain?
Anti-convulsants
What are the criteria for diagnosing opioid-use disorders?
- taking larger doses -craving opioids - failing to fulfill major role obligations -continued use despite adverse effects
What services are available in home care?
-Nursing -personal support -social work -occupational therapy -physiotherapy -speech and language pathology -dietician services
Which patient population is more likely to develop lumbar spinal stenosis
People typically age 60 and older.
What are some of the most commonly disrupted activities of daily living (ADLs) due to chronic pain?
Dressing, bathing, heavy housework/cleaning, walking, bending, and climbing stairs
Other than opioids, what are some typical medications used in the management of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)?
-Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) muscle relaxants -anti-depressants --anti-convulsants -corticosteroids
When is the use of epidural steroid injections considered an effective treatment in the management of chronic spinal pain syndrome?
When the pain is associated with inflammatory processes or nerve compression.
What is lumbar spinal stenosis? (general)
Narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs
What class of medication includes NSAIDs, making them one of the pharmacological treatments for chronic pain?
Non-opioid analgesics