Medical Management

Medical management helps you take control of the medicines you're using and optimize their effects. Zeeshan Tayeb, MD, and his team at Pain Specialists of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, are highly trained professionals with many years of experience in medical management who believe that the best health care begins with a good relationship between patient and provider. To find out how you could benefit from their expertise in pharmacology and the use of medications in pain management, call Pain Specialists of Cincinnati or book an appointment online today.

What is medical management?

Medical management is an important part of your rehabilitation from injury or disease and is essential for patients with chronic health conditions. It involves regularly reviewing and updating your prescriptions to ensure you're receiving optimal pharmaceutical treatment.

At Pain Specialists of Cincinnati, treatment aims to minimize pain and interrupt the pain cycle, and the team uses medical management as part of a comprehensive approach to care.

Treatment goals focus on:

• Restoration of normal function
• Reduction in medication use
• Prevention of chronic symptom relapse
• Better quality of life

A variety of medications can help patients reach these goals. Medical management optimizes results while minimizing potential side effects.

What medications are used in the medical management of pain?

There's a vast range of medications that can be useful in treating pain. These include:

Anti-inflammatories

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen offer both pain relief and a reduction in the tissue inflammation that so often causes pain. Steroids are more powerful anti-inflammatories, but they present a greater risk of side effects.

Antidepressants

Low-dose tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are often effective in treating neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work at a lower dose than you’d need for an antidepressant effect.

Sleep medications and sedatives

Sleep medications and sedatives such as prescription benzodiazepines or over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines that have a sedative effect can reduce pain and promote better sleep. Difficulty sleeping is a major cause of worsening pain, fatigue, and additional health problems.

Topical pain creams

One type of topical pain cream is anesthetic cream, typically containing lidocaine, that numbs pain for short periods. 

Another type is capsaicin cream, which contains a substance that causes an intense burning feeling when applied to the skin. Regular use can reduce the oversensitivity of nerve endings.

Muscle relaxants

Muscle relaxants like baclofen can relax tense, painful tissues, and some help block pain signals from overstimulated nerve endings.

How are opioids used in medical management?

Narcotics (opioids) can be useful to control more severe pain. At Pain Specialists of Cincinnati, the team prefers to use long-acting opioids where possible, but short-acting opioids are also available if they're the best option for you.

These powerful painkillers are only used if there are no alternatives, due to the increased risk of side effects, particularly the fact that they can be highly addictive. If your provider recommends opioids for chronic pain management, you will be required to sign an opioid agreement.

While medications undoubtedly have a role to play in pain management, the team at Pain Specialists of Cincinnati also emphasizes the many nonpharmacological strategies that are available.

To find out more, call Pain Specialists of Cincinnati today or book an appointment online.