MBSP Statement Regarding the CDC Guidelines for Opioid Prescription

We applaud the CDC for taking steps to curb the abuse epidemic by publishing its recommendation for prescribing opioids medications for chronic pain, excluding cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care.

There is growing consensus in the medical community that opioid medication should not be unimodal therapy (the one and only treatment) to treat pain. In fact, there is very little evidence that opioid medication for chronic pain makes any difference in pain scores or in functional improvement, further emphasizing the importance of being conscientious when prescribing such medication and thinking ‘outside of the box’ to develop treatment plans that work.

Here at MBSP, we develop care plans that incorporate a variety of treatment options that work together to treat pain and keep patients off of chronic opioid medication (and with it, opioid medication risks and side effects). The majority of our patients do well with minimally invasive procedures and focused physical therapy, the mainstay for improving lifestyle and quality of life.

The medical team at MBSP already prescribes in accordance with the newest CDC guidelines and will continue to practice at the highest level of care.