Primary care providers are well-suited to manage chronic pain
Six months ago I saw a 45-year-old former athlete who had three unsuccessful back surgeries, taking 80mg of extended release oxycodone three times a day. He was also inactive and depressed despite counseling.
Just five years ago I would have increased the oxycodone to improve his pain and function. Now with opioid overdose deaths, all of us are questioning our practices. As trusted primary care providers, patients ask us if we …
