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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Canada, KY

I take methotrexate and leflunamide and still have constant pain especially in my hands. How do you deal with pain without opioids. I don’t want to take opioids

November 13, 2024
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A myRAteam Member

I take celecoxib as a supplementary pain relief when I’m having a bad day. It’s specifically designed for inflammatory arthritis but requires a prescription. Meloxicam is another one that’s helped.

November 21, 2024
myRAteam

Managing pain without opioids, especially when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, can involve several non-drug approaches. Here are some options based on my knowledge base:

Non-Drug Pain Management Techniques
1. Mind-Body Therapies:
- Deep Breathing: Helps in relaxation and reducing stress.
- Meditation: Focuses Show Full Answer

Managing pain without opioids, especially when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, can involve several non-drug approaches. Here are some options based on my knowledge base:

Non-Drug Pain Management Techniques:
1. Mind-Body Therapies:
- Deep Breathing: Helps in relaxation and reducing stress.
- Meditation: Focuses the mind to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.

2. Physical Interventions:
- Acupuncture: Involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain.
- Biofeedback: Teaches control over certain bodily functions to manage pain.
- Massage Therapy: Can help in reducing muscle tension and pain.

3. Distraction Techniques:
- Engaging Activities: Playing games or watching TV to divert attention from pain.

4. Heat/Ice Packs:
- Heat Packs: Can help in relaxing muscles and reducing pain.
- Ice Packs: Useful for reducing inflammation and numbing sore areas.

5. Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):
- Coping Skills: Helps in dealing with stress caused by pain.
- Addressing Negative Thoughts: Reduces thoughts and emotions that can worsen pain.
- Support: Provides emotional support.

6. Physical Therapy:
- Exercise: Conditions muscles and restores strength, which can help in managing pain.

Important Considerations:
- Combination of Treatments: Often, a combination of non-drug treatments provides the best pain relief.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: Always discuss with healthcare providers to understand the best options for individual conditions.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the resources provided by MedlinePlus on non-drug pain management.

November 13, 2024

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