What if it's the Opioids Causing the Pain?

Roberto Ceniceros wrote a great piece this week on R&I regarding opioid-induced hyperalgesia.  This is a phenomenon observed in some patients on long term opioid therapy in which the opioids actually increase the sensation of pain.

Among prescribers unaware or uneducated on the topic, the patient's legitimate report of increased pain can lead to increased dosage of opioid analgesics, which thus leads to increased pain.  This creates a vicious cycle that can lead to significant adverse effects, including dependence, addiction, and potentially death.

Dr. Marcos Iglesias, medical director for Midwest Employers Casualty, said, "A lot of claimants who are on high doses of opioids are still in a lot of pain.  A big reason for that is the opioids.  Once they are weaned off the opioids, they feel much better and their pain will actually decrease.  So ironically, one of the ways to help their pain is to take away their painkiller."

Add to this recent findings that weaning opioids, even high doses of opioids, in the outpatient environment is not only possible, but leads to decreases in pain scores, depression scores, etc. and we can begin to see the absolute necessity of questioning the medical appropriateness of high dose chronic opioid therapy.

The graphic below is from the CDC.  I wonder to what extent this cascade of negative clinical and social consequences started with an otherwise well-intentioned physician failing to notice signs of opioid-induced hyperalgesia.  

You didn't need any more evidence than you already had to question the medical necessity of long term opioid therapy.  Nonetheless, if you haven't already, it's time to focus on ensuring injured workers under your stewardship aren't being harmed by the very drugs intended to help them.  

Michael 

On Twitter @PRIUM1