VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Fall 2011 - VA Health Care Upstate New York

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

VA Health Care Upstate New York - VISN 2

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VISN 2: Veterans' Wellness, Fall 2011

Fall 2011

Ask the Expert:

Karl Frohm Ph.D.

Karl Frohm, Ph.D., Chairman VA Health Care Upstate New York Pain Management Advisory Council

Q. Is pain a major factor for U.S. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan?

A: Yes. In some studies, physical pain is the most prevalent symptom reported to VA health care providers by returning servicemembers. Many factors surrounding the current international conflicts contribute to this increase in pain symptoms, including injuries from explosives and back and knee problems caused by carrying heavy equipment.

Q. What is the difference between acute pain and chronic pain?

A: Acute pain is an immediate result of harm or injury to the body. In most cases, it improves as the injury heals or irritation is removed. Soldiers on the battlefield may receive aggressive drug treatment for acute pain to ensure a quick return to duty. Chronic pain continues for weeks, months, or years despite the fact that the original injury has healed. When a Veteran returns home and comes into a VA clinic complaining of pain, we’ll address this problem through a comprehensive personalized treatment plan. The focus of chronic pain management is to improve a Veteran’s functioning and quality of life.

Q. How is VA addressing pain issues and tracking drug treatments?

A: Whether a Veteran’s pain involves muscles, joints, bones, organs, skin, or nerves, VA has made treating acute and chronic pain a priority. Pain management begins with a Veteran’s primary care provider, who assesses sources of pain and risk factors for various pain treatments in forming a plan of care with the Veteran. The primary care provider also monitors safety and effectiveness of treatment, including how it affects the Veteran’s quality of life. Pain specialists are available to work alongside VA primary care providers to provide additional care. VA pharmacists use sophisticated electronic systems to track prescribed medications and ensure patient safety.

young male reading his prescription bottle

Q. Are opioid medications the main treatment used for pain?

A: No. Opioids are one part of pain treatment and may not be helpful for some patients or pain problems. Other pain treatments include medications to reduce inflammation or calm irritated nerves, physical therapy to improve strength and movement, anesthetic injections to temporarily relieve pressure or block pain signals from reaching the brain, and cognitive or behavioral tools to reduce pain and stress or help Veterans cope with pain.

Q. Do opioids carry a risk for addiction?

A: Yes, there is some risk for addiction, especially for people with prior drug abuse problems. However, there are other risks associated with opioids that are equally or more important. Before Veterans are prescribed opioids, they are evaluated for medical or psychological factors that could make opioids unsafe for them. Veterans prescribed opioids should expect to have a structured relationship with their health care provider, including being asked to sign a treatment agreement or to undergo drug testing to ensure that the medication is being used appropriately.

Q. What can Veterans do to optimize pain relief?

A: To get the most out of your treatment, you are encouraged to participate in every aspect of your care. For example, take medications as directed, attend therapy sessions, and apply new techniques at home. Don’t allow pain to overtake your life. Your Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) can connect you with VA specialists who can help to relieve unresolved pain and help you to live your life well with ongoing pain.