Vincent Fortanasce, MD, neurologist and author of End Back & Neck Pain, said that medications — especially opiates — are overprescribed for chronic pain, said a news release.
According to Dr. Fortanasce, when patients complain of pain, there is a 94 percent change they'll be prescribed medication and half that time, the medication will be an opiate.
"The difference between the opium dens of the early 20th century and some of the pain clinics today is that the den is now called a clinic, and the opium is prescription narcotics," said Dr. Fortanasce.
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Chronic Pain and Prescription Drug Abuse Cost U.S. More Than $323 Billion a Year
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According to Dr. Fortanasce, when patients complain of pain, there is a 94 percent change they'll be prescribed medication and half that time, the medication will be an opiate.
"The difference between the opium dens of the early 20th century and some of the pain clinics today is that the den is now called a clinic, and the opium is prescription narcotics," said Dr. Fortanasce.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Chronic Pain and Prescription Drug Abuse Cost U.S. More Than $323 Billion a Year
Study: Psychological Interventions Can Alleviate Chronic Pain
Researchers: Variations in Pain Perception Linked to Genes