ACA Supports Proposed Guideline for Prescribing Opioids to Patients With Chronic Pain

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has publicly come out in support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s proposed Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

“Chiropractic physicians are well positioned to play a vital role in the conservative management of acute and chronic pain,” ACA President Anthony Hamm, DC, said as part of ACA’s formal comments.

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Developed for primary care physicians, the proposed guideline provides 12 recommendations pertaining to initiation or continuation of opioids for chronic pain; opioid selection, dosage, duration, follow-up, and discontinuation; and assessment of risk and addressing harms of opioid use.

“They offer complementary and integrative strategies, as well as guidance on self care, that can provide needed relief for many who suffer from pain,” Dr Hamm continued in his response.

A newly-formed panel of medical experts will meet in late January to present their opinions on the CDC’s proposed guideline.

Groups advocating for patients with chronic pain have opposed the agency’s proposed draft, citing concerns over additional barriers for patients who are prescribed painkillers to improve quality of life.