Chronic Pain Management: Non-Opioid Therapies

Course overview

Chronic pain is a common and debilitating condition, affecting about one in five people globally. Pain is a multifaceted phenomenon that significantly impacts an individual's physical function and quality of life. Chronic pain is most associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, headache, orofacial pain, visceral pain, and neuropathic pain. Roughly one-third of people with chronic non-cancer-related pain are prescribed opioid analgesics; however, long-term research finds that the potential harms likely outweigh the benefits. The course is designed to empower healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills in managing pain in the absence of opioid drugs. This course will guide learners through the complexities of pain, including the types, underlying mechanisms, assessment methods, and management strategies. The course will explore common non-opioid pharmacological therapies and outline the uses, contraindications, and side effects of each drug. The course also integrates principles of behavioral and cognitive therapy in the management of chronic pain.