The vagus nerve is the longest of the human body’s cranial nerves. It runs from the brain to the abdomen passing through the throat, heart, and lungs. The vagus nerve provides sensory functions for these parts of the body, as … Read More
Neuromodulation works by actively stimulating nerves to produce a natural biological response. It is the alteration—or modulation—of nerve activity by delivering electrical stimulation directly to a targeted area of the central nervous system.1 Neuromodulation devices may be invasive or noninvasive. … Read More
“Legacy” opioid patients are common in pain management practices. They are considered patients who have been on high-dose opioids for prolonged periods of time. New, painful conditions may develop over time due to the high levels of opioid consumption. These … Read More
More than 30% of Americans have some form of acute or chronic pain.1 Among older adults, the prevalence of chronic pain approaches 40%.2 The extended prescription of opioids (>8 weeks) for the treatment of chronic pain presents substantial public health … Read More
Opioids are incredibly addictive substances. All opioids (both legally prescribed drugs and illicit drugs) interact with and stimulate opioid receptors within the brain to block pain and produce feelings of euphoria. Additionally, they quickly rewire the brain, forcing the body … Read More
It is well documented that the opioid recovery process is strenuous – emotionally, physically, and financially. Opioid addicts and their loved ones must endure a lengthy and difficult process of intense withdrawal symptoms, heightened emotions, and financial strain to reach … Read More
The United States has long struggled with Opioid Use Disorders (OUD), and the current opioid crisis sheds light on just how critical of a problem opioid misuse is. Addiction to these types of drugs is difficult to combat as the … Read More
The detoxification process is long and painful for many suffering from OUD. Seemingly minor withdrawal symptoms like muscle aches and runny noses can escalate to intense nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure, and painful abdominal cramping in less than 24 … Read More
As the opioid use disorder (OUD) patient begins the journey to recovery, creating the best and most effective continuum of care can be a matter of life or death. Relapse rates in OUD patients post-detoxification are higher than any other … Read More
When an opioid use disorder (OUD) patient reduces or ceases opioid intake, potentially life-threatening physical and psychological changes occur in the brain and body. The OUD patient eventually reaches the point of withdrawal after their tolerance to opioids has transitioned … Read More