The Trump administration recently declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency and is taking action to address it.
But physicians are also doing their part to help alleviate the risk of addiction among their surgical patients by recommending over-the-counter pain relief remedies first.
One recent study published in the JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) pitted opioids against a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) to alleviate pain during common ER visits for sprains, strains, fractures, and other minor injuries.
Of the more than 400 men and women evaluated, there were no significant differences reported in either pain relief or how fast relief took place when using a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen OR corresponding doses of oxycodone, hydrocodone, or codeine.
Texas Orthopedics’ own Dr. Tyler Goldberg is practicing this same protocol on most of his surgery patients and he discussed it with ABC affiliate KVUE-TV.
Dr. Goldberg has stopped prescribing opioids after surgery in about 85 percent of his patients. He explained that some patient can become addicted, or physically dependent, on these drugs in as little as seven days.
For an alternative pain protocol, he recommends patients try Tylenol first, along with cold/ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, and movement of the limb or joint as soon as possible to get blood flowing and avoid stiffness.
Orthopedic surgeons everywhere, like Dr. Goldberg, have been instrumental in educating patients about other options to manage pain. Check out the AAOS’stance on prescription safety here.
