Acute pain, such as from an injury or surgery, can turn into chronic pain.

Acute pain is the gateway to chronic pain.

Evidence shows that people with chronic pain who are introduced to opioids through a surgery or to recover from an injury can become dependent on opioids to get through daily life for the long-term, and their pain becomes less tolerable over time. Addiction only happens to 1 in 10 people taking opioids, but everyone is at risk of becoming reliant on opioids to get them through their day.

How to Prevent Acute Pain from Becoming Chronic Pain

 

Use as few opioids as possible

Ask your doctor to prescribe you a minimal number of opioids when you have a serious injury or are recovering from a surgery. In most cases, anything more than a 7-day supply can lead to chronic pain and opioid dependence. If your pain is intolerable from a major surgery and you need more than 7 days’ worth of opioids, work closely with your doctor to ensure you do not become dependent. If you take opioids for longer than 30 consecutive days, start exploring alternative treatments.

Avoid opioids altogether

Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol are often inadequate for major pain, but they are sufficient for many situations, including oral surgeries, strained muscles, and small incisions. If you start off on opioids, transition to one of these over-the-counter painkillers as soon as you are able. Ask your doctor what types of painkillers are effective for your situation, and choose the lowest-risk option.

Reintroduce movement when safe to do so

There comes a point after every injury or surgery when it is time to start moving around again. If you do not take the opportunity to regain movement, your pain will not go away. When your doctor tells you it is safe to begin moving, even if it’s just a little and even if it causes you some discomfort, do it. Movement promotes healing and will help your body return to normal and eventually silence the pain.

 

Do you have unused opioids leftover from an injury or surgery? Dispose of them safely today.

Getting rid of opioids safely is an easy way for you to help stop the opioid epidemic in our region. Opioids that are discarded improperly can end up in the hands of children, people with an opioid use disorder, or hurt the environment.

Do not:

  • Throw opioids in the trash, even if mixed with cat litter

  • Flush opioids down the toilet or other drains