Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, and initial treatment often involves the use of medications such as opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs.
However, their prolonged use can trigger overmedication, which leads to serious problems such as dependence, serious side effects and overdose.
At Clínica San Román, the medical team adopts a comprehensive approach that minimizes drug dependence through advanced and personalized therapeutic alternatives.
The Dangers of Overmedication in Chronic Pain
Opioids and anti-inflammatory drugs have for years been the first choice for treating chronic pain.
Although they may provide relief in the early stages, in the long term these drugs pose serious risks:
- Development of Tolerance and Dependence: Over time, the body develops tolerance to medications, which means that it is necessary to increase doses to obtain the same pain relief.
This increases the risk of physical and psychological dependence, and in severe cases, can lead to addiction. - Significant Side Effects: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, can cause serious side effects such as stomach ulcers, hypertension, and kidney damage.
Opioids, on the other hand, can cause constipation, drowsiness, and in high doses, respiratory depression, which can result in fatal overdoses. - Overdose Risk: Progressive dose escalation due to tolerance increases the risk of overdose, especially in the case of opioids.
In many countries, this is a growing problem, with thousands of people each year suffering fatal opioid-related overdoses.
Alternatives to Overmedication in Chronic Pain
Given the risks associated with overmedication, Clínica San Román promotes the use of advanced therapeutic alternatives that can control chronic pain without the side effects of drugs.
These alternatives include interventional approaches, multidisciplinary techniques, and integrated patient management.
1. Interventional Therapies: Direct and Effective Treatments
Interventional therapies are minimally invasive procedures that provide pain relief directly to the affected areas without the need to rely on long-term medication.
Some of the techniques used at Clínica San Román include:
- Nerve blocks: These injections administer anesthetics and anti-inflammatory drugs around the affected nerves, blocking the transmission of pain signals.
It is an effective treatment for joint pain and neuralgia. - Epidural injections: Used to treat low back pain and sciatica, these injections are administered into the epidural space of the spine, reducing inflammation and providing relief for weeks or even months.
- Pulsed radiofrequency: This procedure uses radiofrequency waves to modulate nerve activity, reducing pain signals without destroying the nerves.
It is a suitable option for chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is another effective alternative to treat chronic pain without medication.
Rehabilitation programs at Clínica San Román are customized for each patient and include muscle strengthening exercises, manual therapy and techniques to improve mobility and flexibility.
These therapies can reduce pain naturally, restore joint function and avoid dependence on medications.
3. The Role of Mental Health in Chronic Pain Management
Although Clínica San Román does not offer specific psychotherapy treatments, it is important to recognize the impact of emotional factors on the perception of chronic pain.
Stress, anxiety and depression can intensify pain, making a holistic approach to pain management crucial.
Patients who take care of their mental health through stress management strategies or psychological support may experience an improvement in their ability to cope with pain.
The Role of Education in Pain Management
One of the cornerstones of successful chronic pain management is patient education.
Understanding the causes of pain, the risks of overmedication and the therapeutic options available is critical to empowering the patient and helping them make informed decisions about their health.
At Clinica San Roman, patients receive ongoing educational support, ensuring that they understand their treatments and can actively collaborate in their pain management.
Comprehensive Pain Management Program at the San Roman Clinic
The key to successful chronic pain management is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
At Clínica San Román, each patient receives personalized treatment based on their individual needs and the nature of their pain.
The clinic’s multidisciplinary team includes specialists in anesthesiology, physical therapy, psychology and other medical fields, who work together to develop an effective and safe treatment plan.
This approach reduces dependence on medications and promotes the use of non-pharmacological treatments whenever possible.
In addition, specialists at the clinic provide continuous follow-up, adjusting treatments as needed to ensure that patients achieve the best possible outcome.
Conclusion: Safe Alternatives for Chronic Pain Management
Overmedication in chronic pain is a problem that can have devastating consequences for patients.
At Clínica San Román, we adopt advanced and safe alternatives, such as interventional therapies, physiotherapy and psychotherapy, to reduce dependence on medication and improve patients’ quality of life.
If you suffer from chronic pain and are looking for an effective and safe treatment that is not dependent on long-term medication, Clínica San Román offers innovative and personalized options to help you regain control of your life.
