Medications

Opioids (Morphine-like medications) are widely used to treat pain. However, there are many problems and regulations associated with them. Patients may be referred to a Pain Specialist to help assess if these medications are appropriate for them. In many instances opioids may be an appropriate medication. However, it is important to realise that opioids are only part of an overall pain management strategy. Your Pain Specialist may decide that the risks and side effects of the opioids are excessively high and may not support your opioid therapy. These decisions are done on an individual basis with patient safety being the most important factor that we consider. Your Pain Specialist is under no obligation to support your opioid therapy if it is unsafe for you.

Similarly, a Pain Specialist may not be the best professional to help you if there are signs of addiction or misuse of opioid medication. If we have concerns about this we may decline your referral and suggest a more appropriate management strategy.

Further information on opioid medication is available HERE

Cannabis has received a lot of attention recently. Much of the positive advertising is done by individuals who are financially benefiting from the sale of these products. It should be considered a medication, like any other that we use, and therefore has benefits and risks. Unfortunately, it’s usefulness has probably been exaggerated. Our doctors do occasionally prescribe medicinal cannabis products. There is a substantial amount of administration and regulation involved which incurs extra costs. Please understand that we are under no obligation to prescribe cannabis and will not do so on the first consultation even if it is indicated.

For more information, click HERE