The solution to the opioid epidemic is to solve chronic pain. Eighty-seven percent of patients on opioids have chronic pain, which is both driven by and results in severe anxiety. The second aspect of dealing with the opioid crisis involves recognizing that what drives most people to use opioids is mental pain and secondarily the physical pain. Unrelenting anxiety is intolerable. Environmental factors, especially family dynamics, may be the single greatest factor exacerbating chronic pain. Allowing physicians to take the time to listen focuses on the real problem rather than just randomly treating symptoms. Finally, since the problem is so pervasive, the answers must be widely available and able to be implemented by anyone.

In this episode, spine surgeon Dr. David Hanscom offers a completely new approach to solving the national opioid epidemic that has captured headlines recently. He shares his unique perspective, based on his work with patients and his observations of the incentives that currently drive our healthcare system. For more information, go to:

http://www.backincontrol.com/a-viable-solution-for-the-opioid-epidemic