Medication Management
Like many pain clinics, we sometimes prescribe opioids as part of an overall patient treatment plan. While opioids sometimes play a role in managing chronic pain, we strive to find safer and more effective pain management alternatives for our patients.
Nura is a multidisciplinary interventional pain clinic- this means that if we prescribe opioid medication, we also require you to participate in physical therapy, behavioral health services and interventions like injections/nerve blocks/etc. We are here to provide alternatives to high-dose opioids. If you are only interested in opioid medication management and nothing else, Nura is probably not the clinic for you.
Nura provides medication management to help manage and reduce pain. We take into account the intensity and duration of pain, along with other factors such as age, other medical challenges, and other medications being taken. We may prescribe one or more medications as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
For these patients, we offer specialized therapy programs tailored to long-term opioid users. The programs are structured to reduce dependence on narcotic pain medications and minimize healthcare visits by promoting effective self-management.
COMP – Chronic Opioid Management Program
At Nura, we will undertake a thorough medical history, perform a complete physical examination, and make recommendations for treatment.
Nura providers may or may not agree to prescribe opioids to the patient during the first visit. If we choose to continue prescribing the patient’s opioid medications, we may do so on a limited basis for a defined time period while we attempt to precisely diagnose and treat their pain with therapeutic injections, nerve ablation techniques and implantable pain control options coordinated with physical therapy and psychology treatments as appropriate.
The chronic opioid pain management program provides a set structure for long-term opioid prescribing which includes:
- Formal, signed Opioid Agreement
- Monthly medical evaluations at which time prescriptions are dispensed
- Participation in prescribed physical therapy
- Participation in prescribed psychology evaluations and treatments
- Random urine drug testing at least twice per year
COMPASS: An Ongoing Structure for Success
Nura’s Compass program is designed to support long-term patients who use opioids to manage pain, and who may have a history of abuse or difficulty adhering to expectations.
In addition to the features of COMP, this highly-structured program also involves monthly, same-day appointments with the caregiver team:
- Medical care delivered by a CNP or PA-C
- Behavioral assessment and treatment by a licensed mental health professional
- Physical assessment and treatment delivered by a licensed Physical Therapist
Chronic Pain Program
Nura’s comprehensive four-week Chronic Pain Program offers patients an empowering environment for learning pain management strategies and coping skills. Better yet, you will work alongside fellow patients under the compassionate guidance of expert staff. Learn how the Chronic Pain Program can help you get back into life!