Managing chronic pain can be complex and the use of medications should be combined with nonpharmacological approaches, such as acupuncture, functional restoration therapy, and practicing mindfulness. In many cases, treatment may not eliminate pain entirely, and the goal is to minimize its impact on daily life.

Various over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are available to treat chronic pain. Doctors will work closely with a person to determine the best pain medication for them....

Review the importance of improving care coordination among the interprofessional team to pain control medication choices for patients with acute and chronic pain. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Concerning the types (mechanisms) of pain, the choices of drugs for chronic pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (for cyclic short-course treatment), opioids, and central nervous system (CNS)-acting drugs. 1.1. NSAIDs.