Opioids for Pain Management
Medication Management
Treatment Overview
Similar to other clinics, we occasionally include opioids in our comprehensive approach to care. While opioids can be effective for managing chronic pain, our priority is to explore safer and more effective alternatives whenever possible.
Our Philosophy on Opioids
At Nura, opioids are prescribed as just one component of a comprehensive pain management plan. Research indicates that a multidisciplinary approach — combining medication with procedural interventions (such as injections, nerve blocks and implantable pain control), physical therapy and behavioral health — is the most effective way to manage severe, chronic pain while minimizing opioid use.
Nura’s Chronic Opioid Management (COM) Program
Our COM Program offers a structured approach to managing long-term opioid use with a strong emphasis on your safety. Opioids come with serious risks, including potential dependence, overdose, adverse side effects and misuse. To manage these risks, we adhere to strict guidelines that ensure both safety and effectiveness.
At Nura, we aim to minimize opioid use and, where possible, gradually reduce or discontinue their use over time. If you decide not to participate in our COM Program, we will help you find another medical practice for the ongoing prescription of narcotic pain medication.
Commitment to COM
Our team will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination and provide treatment recommendations. Nura providers may or may not agree to prescribe opioids to you during your first visit. If continued, opioids may be prescribed on a limited basis while we focus on advanced interventional treatments for your pain. Failure to follow the program plan may result in discontinuing opioid prescriptions.
Participants in the COM Program are expected to:
- Attend all scheduled appointments, usually monthly, to qualify for prescription refills.
- Sign an agreement to receive opioid medications solely from Nura providers.
- Engage in physical therapy at Nura, following the recommended number of sessions and annual follow-ups.
- Meet with our behavioral health specialists and attend follow-up sessions as recommended.
- Provide urine samples for toxicologic screening, generally every quarter.
- Undergo agreed-upon pain procedures. If non-opioid alternatives are not pursued, we may suggest seeking care elsewhere.
Comprehensive Care
At Nura, we seamlessly integrate interventional procedures, physical therapy, psychological support and medications. Research shows that this comprehensive approach is the most effective way to manage chronic pain.
Find Pain Relief
Schedule an appointment with one of our pain specialists by filling out our appointment request form or giving us a call at 763-537-6000.
