Module 04 Discussion - Treatment of Musculoskeletal Pain: Opioids or Medical Marijuana?

The treatment of chronic pain conditions, especially muscle pain within the medical field, presents multiple problems and complications. Studies have placed the prevalence of chronic pain in the United States from 30-33% of the population. Currently, a common medical practice is the prescription of opioid analgesics (painkillers) such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine to provide pain relief. However, the abuse and addiction to opioid prescriptions has been on the rise.

Conduct some research on the pros and cons of using opioid medications to treat chronic pain. As of early 2018, 23 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation to legalize medicinal marijuana as a treatment therapy for various issues, including chronic pain conditions. Research the pros and cons of medicinal marijuana to treat chronic pain.

From your research, what do you perceive to be the better option in treating chronic pain -- prescription opioid medications or medicinal marijuana? Make sure you elaborate on your reasoning with your research, opinion(s) and any other comments you have on this topic. Provide appropriate citations for your resources.

Reference

The American Academy of Pain Medicine. (2018). AAPM Facts and Figures on Pain. Retrieved from http://www.painmed.org/PatientCenter/Facts_on_Pain.aspx#incidence