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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
An Overview of Pharmacologic Management of Chronic Pain
Benjamin R Beal1, Mark S Wallace1
1Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Patients with chronic pain can be challenging to manage and historically providers have relied on opiates to treat pain. Recent studies have brought into question the safety and efficacy of chronic opiate therapy in the noncancer population. There is a vast amount of literature to support the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, topical agents, cannabinoids, and botulinum toxin either in conjunction with or in lieu of opioids. Intrathecal drug delivery systems can deliver some of these medications directly to their primary site of action while minimizing the side effects seen with systemic administration.
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