Pain Management & Non-Opioid Alternatives

Comprehensive pain management mandated in 20+ states. Multimodal strategies, non-opioid options, and special population considerations.

8 Units

20 minutes per unit

Curriculum Map

What You Will Learn

Multimodal Approach

Combining pharmacological, interventional, and integrative strategies for better outcomes with lower risk.

Non-Opioid Options

NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and CBT — the evidence for each.

Special Populations

Pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, and patients with substance use history — the adaptations required.

All Units

20 minutes

The Biopsychosocial Pain Model & Assessment

This unit introduces the biopsychosocial model of pain assessment, contrasting it with outdated biomedical approaches. Clinicians learn to evaluate biological mechanisms, psychological factors, and social determinants that shape pain experience and guide evidence-based treatment planning.

•Explain the biological, psychological, and social components of the biopsychosocial pain model
•Apply comprehensive pain assessment tools that address all three biopsychosocial dimensions
•Differentiate between nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic pain mechanisms

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20 minutes

Multimodal Pain Management Strategies

This unit examines multimodal pain management, which combines pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions targeting different pain mechanisms. Clinicians learn to design synergistic treatment regimens that optimize analgesia while minimizing adverse effects and opioid consumption.

•Define multimodal analgesia and explain its theoretical basis in targeting multiple pain pathways
•Design evidence-based multimodal regimens for acute postoperative and chronic pain conditions
•Evaluate synergistic drug combinations that reduce opioid requirements while improving pain control

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20 minutes

Non-Opioid Pharmacological Options

This unit provides a comprehensive review of non-opioid pharmacological options for pain management, including NSAIDs, acetaminophen, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants. Clinicians learn evidence-based prescribing strategies that match medication mechanisms to pain types while minimizing adverse effects.

•Compare mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and COX-2 inhibitors
•Select appropriate anticonvulsants and antidepressants for neuropathic and centralized pain syndromes
•Apply evidence-based dosing strategies and monitoring parameters for non-opioid analgesics

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20 minutes

Interventional Pain Procedures Overview

This unit surveys interventional pain management procedures that target specific anatomical pain generators. Clinicians learn evidence-based indications, patient selection criteria, expected outcomes, and potential risks for common interventional techniques from epidural injections to neuromodulation.

•Describe common interventional pain procedures including epidural steroid injections, facet interventions, and radiofrequency ablation
•Evaluate evidence for efficacy and appropriate patient selection for interventional treatments
•Identify potential complications and contraindications for major interventional procedures

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20 minutes

Integrative Approaches: PT, CBT & Acupuncture

This unit explores integrative pain management approaches including physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and acupuncture. Clinicians learn to incorporate non-pharmacological interventions that address pain mechanisms, enhance function, and promote self-management while complementing medical treatments.

•Describe evidence-based physical therapy interventions for common pain conditions and mechanisms of therapeutic exercise
•Apply cognitive-behavioral therapy principles to modify pain-related thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
•Evaluate the evidence for acupuncture and other integrative modalities in pain management

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20 minutes

Acute vs. Chronic Pain Management Protocols

This unit contrasts acute and chronic pain management, examining distinct pathophysiology, assessment strategies, and treatment protocols for each. Clinicians learn to optimize acute pain control while implementing preventive strategies, and to address the complex biopsychosocial factors maintaining chronic pain.

•Differentiate pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment goals for acute versus chronic pain
•Apply evidence-based acute pain protocols that optimize analgesia while preventing chronification
•Implement chronic pain management strategies addressing biopsychosocial factors and functional restoration

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20 minutes

Special Populations: Pediatric, Geriatric & Pregnant

This unit addresses pain management considerations for special populations including children, older adults, and pregnant or lactating patients. Clinicians learn population-specific assessment techniques, medication safety profiles, and modified treatment protocols accounting for developmental, physiological, and risk factors.

•Apply age-appropriate pain assessment tools and analgesic dosing for pediatric and geriatric populations
•Evaluate safety of analgesic medications during pregnancy and lactation using FDA pregnancy categories and evidence
•Modify pain management strategies to address unique physiological and psychosocial factors in special populations

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20 minutes

Pain Management Quality Metrics & Documentation

This unit examines quality metrics and documentation standards for pain management. Clinicians learn to measure meaningful outcomes, maintain comprehensive records meeting regulatory requirements, and implement quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient care and safety.

•Identify key performance measures for assessing pain management quality at individual and institutional levels
•Document pain assessments, treatment plans, and outcomes using standardized formats meeting regulatory requirements
•Apply quality improvement methodologies to enhance pain management processes and patient outcomes

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