Can you ask your healthcare provider for stronger painkillers if you need them?

Absolutely, as it is crucial that you are an active participant in your pain management.

Acute pain is pain that comes on suddenly and is of limited duration.

Young man in pain getting prescription from doctor

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Chronic pain, most simply defined, is pain that continues for weeks or months.

If you think you may need an additional, stronger, or different pain relief medication or non-pharmacologic treatment.

ask yourself these four questions.

Will You Look Like an Addict?

Some people with chronic pain conditions simply cannot manage their pain with other types of medications.

The attitudes toward the role of opioids in pain management are also changing.

Most healthcare providers will consider the benefits of a stronger painkiller versus the potential risks.

In other words, medical supervision is key when you are managing yourchronic pain.

2016;22(6):403-11. doi:10.1007/s11655-016-2258-y

Stein C.Opioid Receptors.Annu Rev Med.