Understanding the New CDC Opioid Guidelines with Dr. Roger Chou
Episode Overview
Dr. Roger Chou provides in-depth insights into the updated CDC Opioid and Pain Guidelines The history of pain as a vital sign and its subjective nature is discussed Emphasis on the need for individualized patient care and consideration of function alongside pain relief Insights into the intersection of cannabis and opioids, risks and benefits of opioids, and evolving pain management landscape Valuable perspectives for both healthcare providers and patients
Pain was declared the fifth vital sign after temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respirations in 1996 by the American Pain Society. I wasn't upset because pain is subjective. Some of my patients had a pain scale of two in the midst of a major heart attack, and others had a pain scale of 20, off the charts from the one to ten scale, while eating chips and texting on the phone.
What happens when one of the leading experts on opioids and pain management sits down to discuss the latest CDC guidelines? You get a conversation that’s both enlightening and crucial for anyone dealing with pain or addiction. In this episode of 'High Truths on Drugs and Addiction', Dr. Roneet Lev chats with Dr. Roger Chou, a renowned figure in the field, about the updated CDC Opioid and Pain Guidelines. Dr.
Chou, who has led over 70 systematic reviews and played a key role in developing the 2016 guidelines, breaks down what's new and why it matters. He explains the evolution of pain as a vital sign and the necessity of individualized patient care. The episode doesn't shy away from complex topics like the intersection of cannabis and opioids or the balancing act between managing pain and minimizing risks. Dr.
Chou’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how we approach pain relief today, making this episode a must-listen for healthcare providers, patients, and anyone interested in the nuances of opioid use and pain management.