Opioids are an important tool in the management of chronic pain

Clearly the use of opioids in the treatment of chronic pain is not an ideal option (“Opioids are bad medicine for chronic pain, say new federal guidelines,” March 16). I am disturbed that the article focused only on the shortcomings of opioids without addressing the need for better treatments for chronic pain sufferers.

I’ve lived with chronic pain for 35 years. When my pain began, it was difficult to get ANY prescription help from doctors. Then there was a shift, and doctors became more willing to use medications to help patients manage their pain. This change enabled me to live more productively and to suffer less.

It is no panacea; it requires monitoring, breaks to maintain effectiveness, vigilance to not exceed recommended dosages. But it is something. I repeatedly ask my doctor what is new on the horizon to help chronic pain sufferers, and I get the same answer: nothing.

Yes, opioid addiction is a serious problem. But in our haste to find a solution, let’s not lose sight of the original problem: Chronic pain cripples thousands of Americans. Let’s make chronic pain management a priority. And let’s recognize that opioids are an important tool in the management of chronic pain for many who do not abuse them.

This story was originally published March 28, 2016 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Opioids are an important tool in the management of chronic pain."