AUTHOR: AnnGene Anthony, MD, MPH, FAAFP
Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than the expected time frame (typically >3 mo) or that is associated with progressive, nonmalignant disease. Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. The perception of pain is influenced by physiologic, psychologic, and social factors. Chronic pain may be the direct result of an underlying disease process, or it may be a separate condition in its own right.
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Estimates of the prevalence of chronic pain in the U.S. vary widely. A 2011 report from the Institute of Medicine, Relieving Pain in America, estimates that 116 million adults live with chronic pain at a cost of almost $635 billion per year. Chronic pain is the third-leading cause of physical impairment in the U.S. and the leading cause of disease burden and disability globally. Patients with chronic pain may also experience mood changes, depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and decreased overall physical functioning.
TABLE E1 Questions to Ask When Pain Persists
Pain Syndromes: What is the Problem? | Selected Diagnostic Considerations | Consider: |
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Is there an ongoing physical disease? (e.g., infection, cancer) | ||
Is there a problem with the use and response to opioids? (e.g., misuse, lack of efficacy) |
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Malingering or factitious disorders with physical symptoms are rare, much more likely to be something else | ||
Myofascial pain often comorbid with other pain syndrome | ||
ESR, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
From Stern TA: Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry, ed 7, Philadelphia, 2018, Elsevier.
BOX E1 Components of a Comprehensive Assessment of Cancer Pain
From Niederhuber JE: Abeloffs clinical oncology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2020, Elsevier.
The nervous system pathophysiology of chronic pain is described in Table E2. Mechanisms of chronic pain can be divided into three broad categories:
TABLE E2 Chronic Pain: Nervous System Pathophysiology
Neurologic Mechanisms | Physiologic Effects | Clinical Implications |
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Neuroplasticity | ||
NMDA excess and glutamate-GABA imbalance Glutamate up, GABA down | ||
Neurotoxins | AIDS pain: Antiepileptic drugs, serotoninergic/noradrenergic agents, free radical scavengers | |
Opioid off mechanisms Off cells in the medulla Morphine 3G/morphine up Side effect intolerance | ||
Sympathetic pain | Mechano-allodynia, swelling Dystrophic changes | Sympathetic blockade and/or α-blocking drugs may be useful in CRPS, trauma, facial pain, arthritis |
Monoamines (5-HT, NE, dopamine) |
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Psychiatric illness | Decreased sleep Decreased muscle relaxation Alienation, anxiety | Differential diagnosis of psychiatric conditions and appropriate treatments |
5-HT, 5-Hydroxytryptamine; CRPS, complex regional pain syndrome; GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid; NE, norepinephrine; NMDA, N-methyl-D-aspartate; SSRIs, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.
From Stern TA: Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry, ed 7, Philadelphia, 2018, Elsevier.
BOX E2 Etiology of Pain in Patients With Cancer
From Niederhuber JE: Abeloffs clinical oncology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2020, Elsevier.
TABLE E3 Pain Management and Treatment
Pain Characteristics | What Treatment is Next? | Comments |
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Nociceptive element present? | Nerve block for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons Imaging: MRI, looking for lesion | Even in pain that appears central (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia), nociceptive triggers can initiate pain and peripheral deafferentation |
Allodynia present? (vibration, cold, or light touch) | Low-dose clonazepam (1-4 mg/day) if the person can tolerate benzodiazepines alone or in combination with desipramine 50 mg at bedtime (up to 300 mg eventually, if necessary) Mexiletine 150-400 mg TID | Allodynia predicts response to clonazepam Clonazepam relaxes muscles, improves sleep and anxiety Membrane stabilizers useful but cardiotoxicity needs to be checked Peptides useful |
Paroxysmal attacks? (lightning-like) | Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) Carbamazepine 400-1600 mg/day (serum 8-12 g/L) Valproate 500-2000 mg/day Gabapentin 300-1200 mg TID Lamotrigine 100-300 mg/day | Clonazepam should usually be tried first, but works well synergistically with the AEDs listed Valproate for vascular headache Gabapentin: Few drug interactions |
Central pain- Allodynia Paroxysmal attacks Sharp perceived as light touch Decreased pain threshold Nondermatomal distribution of pain Hyperpathia | Definitive trial is a single-blind random assignment of IV lorazepam (2-4 mg) vs lidocaine (100 mg) vs. morphine 10 mg, rated on a VAS pain Amitriptyline 25 mg IV infusion as test dose with VAS pain | Careful physical examination essential Is sharp perceived as light touch? Light touch is painful, sustained, and has a delayed crescendo Tuning fork/moving a hair examination best for allodynia |
Comorbid central pain? Vascular and myofascial pain | Valproate 250-2000 mg/day Physical therapy Monoaminergic prescription antidepressants Nasal calcitonin 200 IU/day Capsaicin 4- to 6-wk trial Topical preparation | Common in head, neck, and face pain Mixed results with SSRIs Rule out sympathetically maintained pain |
Psychiatric component? Rule out or treat | Comorbid psychiatric and CNS pain: Consider prescription with dual efficacy for pain and psychiatric diagnosis Benzodiazepine for allodynia and anxiety Antidepressants for neuropathy, depression, and anxiety Neuroleptics for neuralgia, anxiety, psychosis, and nausea AEDs for lancinating pain and mood stabilization | Rule out depression and anxiety, consider mimics of central pain, such as somatoform, factitious, or psychotic disorders Pain drawing by the patient is a good tool to uncover psychosis and myofascial pain Rule out akathisia, restless leg syndrome |
AEDs, Anti-epileptic drugs; IV, intravenous; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; VAS, visual analog scale.
From Stern TA: Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry, ed 7, Philadelphia, 2018, Elsevier.
TABLE E4 Commonly Used Interventional Pain Management Techniques and Indications
Name of Procedure | Indication | ||
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Celiac plexus block | Pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis | ||
Diskography | Diagnosis of anatomic localization of discogenic pain | ||
Epidural corticosteroid injection | Lumbar, cervical, or thoracic radiculopathy | ||
Facet joint block/medial branch block | Lumbar, cervical, or thoracic facet joint syndrome | ||
Facet joint rhizotomy/radiofrequency lesioning | Lumbar or cervical facet joint syndrome | ||
Gasserian ganglion block Maxillary nerve block | Trigeminal neuralgia | ||
Greater occipital nerve block Lesser occipital nerve block Superficial cervical plexus block | Occipital neuralgia | ||
Intravenous regional block | CRPS | ||
Lumbar sympathetic block | CRPS of the legs | ||
Percutaneous disk decompression | Lumbar or cervical disk herniation | ||
Sacroiliac joint injection | Sacroiliac joint pain | ||
Sphenopalatine ganglion block | Headache and facial pain | ||
Spinal cord stimulator | CRPS, PVD, low back pain, angina | ||
Stellate ganglion block | CRPS of arm, neck, and head; headache | ||
Suprascapular nerve block | Shoulder pain | ||
Vertebroplasty | Vertebral fracture | ||
Motor cortex stimulation | Neuropathic pain | ||
Deep brain stimulation | Neuropathic pain |
CRPS, Complex regional pain syndrome; PVD, peripheral vascular disease.
From Jankovic J et al: Bradley and Daroffs neurology in clinical practice, ed 8, Philadelphia 2022, Elsevier.
Table E5 Information on Commonly Used Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs
Drug | Route | Aging Effect | Precautions and Recommendations | Cost |
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Aspirin | PO, PR | GFR decreases, which results in decreased excretion | Evaluate risks and benefits Mostly used for cardiovascular protection | Generic |
Ibuprofen | PO | Severity of GI toxicity increases with age and frequency | Treat acute or chronic inflammatory pain | Generic |
Salsalate | PO | GI toxicity | GI toxicity lower than ASA | Generic |
Naproxen | PO | COX-2 inhibitor, less GI toxicity; increases bleeding time | Moderate to severe inflammatory pain Low risk of cardiovascular events | Generic |
Diclofenac | PO | Because of COX-2, selectivity has increased cardiovascular risk | Generic | |
Indomethacin | PO | More GI and central nervous system side effects | Not first-line drug for mild to moderate pain | Generic |
Ketorolac | IM, PO | High GI toxicity and renal toxicity | Not recommended for long-term use | Generic |
Nabumetone | PO | GI toxicity | Long half-life, low antiplatelet activity | 750 mg 60 tabs $68.99 |
Celecoxib | PO | Selective COX-2 inhibitor | Fewer GI side effects | Generic |
ASA, Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin); COX-2, cyclooxygenase 2; GFR, glomerular filtration rate; GI, gastrointestinal; IM, intramuscular; PO, by mouth; PR, per rectum.
From Warshaw G et al: Hams primary care geriatrics, ed 7, Philadelphia, 2022, Elsevier.
Name | Route | Aging Effect | Precaution | Comparison | Cost |
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Acetaminophen | Oral | Transient elevation of alanine aminotransferase | In hepatic insufficiency and alcohol abuse patient | No effects of GI bleeding, adverse renal effects, cardiac toxicity as of NSAIDs Greater safety than NSAIDs so recommended as first-line therapy NSAIDs better for short-term pain-OA, low back pain Acetaminophen less effective for chronic inflammatory pain than NSAIDs | OTC, 100 tablets for $17.99 |
Lidocaine 5% patch | Topical | Nontoxic with safe range of 4 patches in 24 h | Skin irritation | Limited for neuropathic pain Absence of toxicity, no drug interactions. Contraindicated in advanced liver disease | Rx, $220.99 for a 30-patch box |
Topical capsaicin cream | Topical | Burning sensation of skin | Some benefit in reduction of neuropathic and nonneuropathic pain | OTC | |
Topical NSAIDs | Topical | Reported toxicity is low when used in recommended doses. Not fully understood | Check renal and hepatic function periodically | Effective and safe over short term (<4 wk) Shown some efficacy in few studies of persistent pain management | Rx, 30 patches of 1.3% for $189.99 |
GI, Gastrointestinal; IM, intramuscular; NSAIDs, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs; OA, osteoarthritis; OTC, over the counter.
From Warshaw G et al: Hams primary care geriatrics, ed 7, Philadelphia, 2022, Elsevier.
TABLE E7 Regional Anesthetic Techniques
Types of Blocks | Examples | Indications | Comments | |
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Local anesthetic blocks | Diagnostic | Intercostal nerve block | Determine etiology of pain and the response and adverse effects following local therapies | Analgesic effect will last only hours |
Treatment of sympathetically maintained pain | Stellate ganglion block | Sympathetically maintained pain | Repeated blocks might be needed | |
Trigger point injections | Trigger point injection | Myofascial pain syndrome | Repeated blocks might be needed | |
Neurolytic (alcohol or phenol) blocks | Peripheral | Intercostal nerve blocks | Chest wall tumor | Pain relief usually lasts several months |
Visceral | Celiac plexus block Superior hypogastric block Ganglionic impar block | Pancreatic cancer Gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancers | Pain relief usually lasts several months | |
Neuraxial | Epidural | Pain localized to two or three dermatomes | Pain relief usually lasts several months | |
Intrathecal neurolysis Spinal cord stimulator |
From Niederhuber JE: Abeloffs clinical oncology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2020, Elsevier.
Agent | Dosage | Indications | Special Issues |
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Prostaglandin Inhibitors | Variable, limited by side effects and medical co-morbidity | Metastatic bone pain Inflammation Vascular pain | NSAID risks: Gastrointestinal bleeding, renal impairment |
Dopamine Antagonists Phenothiazines Butyrophenones | Antipsychotic D2 receptor blocking doses | Post-herpetic pain Cancer pain Diabetic neuropathy Adjunct to TCAs Co-morbid anxiety or delirium | Haloperidol binds to opioid receptors Membrane stabilizing |
Stimulants | Stimulants decrease pain and sedation | ||
Methylphenidate Dextroamphetamine Pergolide | 5-50 mg/day (: 2-7 h) 5-20 mg/day (: 4-21 h) 0.05 mg TID (: 6-72 h) | Postoperative pain and pain in pediatric and cancer patients respond well to analgesic stimulant combinations | Appetite and cognition improve; methylphenidate shows better long-term efficacy than does amphetamine |
Steroids | |||
Prednisone | 15+ mg/day PO | Bone metastases | Risks: Mood lability, withdrawal, anxiety, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset |
Methylprednisolone | 15 mg/kg IV boluses | Brain swelling | |
Spinal cord compression | |||
Anorexia and pain | |||
Sickle cell pain | |||
Peptides | |||
Calcitonin | 100-200 IU SC BID nasal 200 IC/day | Paget disease, metastatic, and myeloma pain | Intrathecal, nasal, and SC are used |
Somatostatin | 500 μg | Vascular headaches | Somatostatin inhibits SP |
Capsaicin crème | 0.075% | Neuralgia, cancer pain Hyperalgesia, postherpetic neuralgia, cluster headache, CRPS, inflammatory dermatoses, itching secondary to dialysis, psoriasis | Capsaicin effect peaks 4-6 wk, for diabetic, postmastectomy and arthritic pain |
Antihistamines | |||
Diphenhydramine | 150 mg | Opioid adjunct | Decreased inflammation, 5-HT, NE, dopamine, SR spasm, opiate clearance increased opiate binding |
Hydroxyzine | 100 mg | ||
Benzodiazepines | |||
Clonazepam | 1-4 mg/day | Adjuvant tricyclics | Not a substitute for diagnosis of depression or substance abuse |
Lorazepam | 2-16 mg/day | Allodynia | |
Antiepileptics | |||
Phenytoin | 300-450 mg/day | Cancer pain | Paroxysmal pain responds best to antiepileptic drugs |
Carbamazepine | 400-1600 mg/day | Headaches, neuralgia | |
Valproate | 500-2000 mg/day | Central pain | |
Gabapentin | 900-1800 mg/day | Neuropathy | |
Lamotrigine | 100-300 mg/day | Migraine headaches | |
Oxcarbazepine | 300-1600 mg/day | Neuropathy | |
Pregabalin | 600-1200 mg/day | Neuropathy; PHN | |
Topiramate | 200-400 mg/day | Neuropathy | |
Tricyclics | 25-300 mg/day | Neuropathy | Burning |
Desipramine Imipramine | Postherpetic neuralgia | Deafferentation pains respond best to the tricyclic drugs Increased side effects with amitriptyline | |
SSRIs | Diabetic neuropathy | ||
Paroxetine | 20-60 mg/day | ||
Citalopram | 20-60 mg/day | ||
SNRIs | Diabetic neuropathy | ||
Duloxetine | 60-120 mg/day | Diabetic neuropathy; fibromyalgia | |
Venlafaxine | 75-375 mg/day | Fibromyalgia |
5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamine; CRPS, complex regional pain syndrome; IV, intravenous; NE, norepinephrine; NSAID, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug; PHN, postherpetic neuralgia; SC, subcutaneous; SP, substance P; TCAs, tricyclic antidepressants.
From Stern TA: Massachusetts General Hospital Handbook of General Hospital Psychiatry, ed 7, Philadelphia, 2018, Elsevier.
TABLE E9 Commonly Used Adjuvant Analgesics for Cancer Pain
Drug Category | Indications | Drugs | Common Toxicities | Comments |
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Antidepressants | Neuropathic pain | Amitriptyline Nortriptyline Desipramine Duloxetine Venlafaxine | Sedation, dry mouth, constipation, postural hypotension, urinary retention | Begin with low doses and increase the dose every few days |
Anticonvulsants | Neuropathic pain | Carbamazepine Pregabalin Clonazepam Gabapentin | Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, rash, bone marrow depression | Monitor platelets with carbamazepine |
Corticosteroids | Spinal cord compression, increased intracranial pressure, visceral distention | Dexamethasone Methylprednisolone Prednisone | Gastritis, insomnia, fluid retention, hyperglycemia, myopathy, increased appetite | |
Muscle relaxants | Muscle spasm | Diazepam Baclofen Methocarbamol Cyclobenzaprine | Sedation, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion | |
Benzodiazepines | Muscle spasm, myoclonus, anxiety, insomnia | Diazepam Lorazepam Alprazolam Midazolam Temazepam | Sedation, delirium, hypotension, headache, respiratory depression | Not analgesics; synergistic effect with opioids can cause respiratory depression |
Antispasmodics | Gastrointestinal or bladder spasm | Diphenoxylate and atropine Loperamide Scopolamine patch Dicyclomine | Sedation, dry mouth, constipation | |
Neuroleptics | Delirium, agitation, nausea and vomiting, hiccups | Olanzapine Risperidone Quetiapine Haloperidol Prochlorperazine | Sedation, orthostatic hypotension, confusion, extrapyramidal reactions | Useful for symptoms other than pain |
Bisphosphonates | Bone pain | Pamidronate Zoledronic acid Alendronate Risedronate Ibandronate Etidronate Denosumab | Hypocalcemia, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, anemia | Delays time to painful skeletal events; also used with analgesics for bone pain |
From Niederhuber JE: Abeloffs clinical oncology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2020, Elsevier.
Table E11 describes common opioids used for cancer pain management. Titration of these medications should not exceed the equivalent of 100 mg morphine/day to avoid risk of overdose. Box E4 summarizes CDC recommendations for prescribing opioids for chronic pain outside of active cancer and palliative and end-of-life care. Box E5 summarizes the interpretation of recommendation categories and evidence types.
TABLE E10 Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) Doses for Commonly Prescribed Opioids
Opioid | Conversion Factor∗ | ||
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Codeine | 0.15 | ||
Fentanyl transdermal (in μg/h) | 2.4 | ||
Hydrocodone | 1 | ||
Hydromorphone | 4 | ||
Methadone | |||
1-20 mg/day | 4 | ||
21-40 mg/day | 8 | ||
41-60 mg/day | 10 | ||
≥61-80 mg/day | 12 | ||
Morphine | 1 | ||
Oxycodone | 1.5 | ||
Oxymorphone | 3 | ||
Tapentadol | 0.4 |
Adapted from Von Korff M et al: De facto long-term opioid therapy for noncancer pain, Clin J Pain 24:521-527, 2008; Washington State Interagency Guideline on Prescribing Opioids for Pain, www.agencymeddirectors.wa.gov/Files/2015AMDGOpioidGuideline.pdf.
From Dowell D et al: CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain-United States, 2016, JAMA 315(15):1624-1645, 2016.
∗Multiply the dose for each opioid by the conversion factor to determine the dose in MME.
TABLE E11 Common Opioids Used for Cancer Pain Managementa
Agent | Parenteral (IM, SC, IV) (mg) | Oral (mg) | Duration (h) | Half-life (h) | Comments |
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Morphine | 10 | 30 | 3-6 (PO) 8-24 (SR) 3-4 (P) 4-5 (R) | 2-4 | Many formulations for individual patient needs Controlled-release formulations available with variable durations Caution with CrCl <30 ml/min because of accumulation of metabolite |
Hydromorphone | 1.5 | 7.5 | 3-4 (PO/P/R) | 2-3 | Good choice for subcutaneous administration because of potency Controlled-release formulation available |
Fentanyl | 0.1 | - | 2-4 (TM) 0.5-4 (P) 48-72 (TD) | 3-4 | TD fentanyl 25 μg/h approximately equals 45 mg/day morphine (PO); TD has a slow onset and offset (12-24 h); optimal dosing of TM products is found through titration and not through ATC dose of opioid Metabolized via CYP3A4 |
Oxycodone | - | 20 | 3-4 (PO) 12 (SR) 4-6 (R) | 2-3 | No ceiling dose if given without nonopioid analgesics Metabolized to active metabolite, oxymorphone via CYP2D6 Multiple controlled-release formulations with various durations and additional agents (e.g., naloxone, acetaminophen) |
Oxymorphone | 1 | 10 | 4-6 (PO) | 9-11 | ER formulation with and without abuse deterrent technology available Food increases AUC; take on empty stomach |
Levorphanol | - | 2 | 4-8 (PO) | 12-16 | Inconsistent supply in recent years Accumulates with repeated administration, especially days 2-5 |
Methadone | 5 | 10 | 6-8 (PO/P) | 15-150 | Despite a long half-life, duration of analgesia is not prolonged; however, drug accumulation can result in toxicities; caution is warranted when converting to methadone in patients with high opioid tolerance Metabolized via CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 Monitor Q-Tc |
Hydrocodone | - | 30 | 4-6 | 4 | Available as fixed combination with acetaminophen or aspirin and single-agent controlled-release formulation |
Codeine | 100 | 200 | 3-4 (PO/P) | 2-4 | 10% of the population lack the enzyme needed to metabolize codeine to its active metabolite morphine Metabolized via CYP2D6 Polymorphisms may increase toxicity |
Tramadol | 100 | 120 | Prodrug Metabolized via CYP2D6; profound effect in rapid metabolizers Serotonin reuptake inhibition Controlled-release formulation available Maximum doses 400 mg/day IR; 300 mg/day ER Caution in patients with seizures Risk of serotonin syndrome | ||
Tapentadol | - | 100 | Noradrenergic reuptake inhibition Controlled-release formulation available Maximum doses 700 mg day 1, then 600 mg/day IR; 500 mg/day ER Metabolized via CYP2D6, CYP2C19, CYP2C9 Caution with SSRIs Equianalgesic dosage not well studied | ||
Partial agonist: Buprenorphine | 0.4 | - | 26-37 | Partial mu agonist, weak kappa antagonist Available as once-weekly patch, single agent, and in combination with naloxone formulations Metabolized via CYP3A4, UGT1A3 May precipitate withdrawal in patients receiving full mu agonists |
ATC, Around the clock; AUC, area under the curve; CrCl, creatinine clearance; ER, extended release; IM, intramuscular; IR, immediate release; IV, intravenous; P, parenteral; PO, oral; R, rectal; SC, subcutaneous; SR, sustained release; SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; TD, transdermal; TM, transmucosal.
a Refer to American Pain Society: Principles of analgesic use, ed 7 for opioid conversions.
BOX E3 Management Approach: Tenets of Opioid Prescribing
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Modified from Niederhuber JE: Abeloffs clinical oncology, ed 6, Philadelphia, 2020, Elsevier.
BOX E4 CDC Recommendations for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain Outside Active Cancer, Palliative, and End-of-Life Carea
From Dowell D et al: CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain-United States, 2016, JAMA 315(15):1624-1645, 2016.
BOX E5 Interpretation of Recommendation Categories and Evidence Types
From Dowell D et al: CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain-United States, 2016, JAMA 315(15):1624-1645, 2016.
Acupuncture and massage (evidence-based for some indications). Acupuncture is most likely to benefit patients with low back pain, neck pain, chronic idiopathic or tension headache, migraine, and knee osteoarthritis. Auricular-point acupressure has shown promise for several chronic pain syndromes and can be self-administered. Recent evidence has demonstrated the benefit of modalities such as yoga, tai chi, and music therapies. Supplements, although popular, do not have substantial evidence to recommend for or against their use.
a All recommendations are category A (i.e., apply to all patients outside active cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care) except recommendation 10 (designated category B, with individual decision-making required).