A federal health panel at work since 2016 recently released a draft report that recommends a balanced, individual patient-centered approach to treating acute and chronic pain, focused on the following:

Risk assessment: A thorough look at patient medical, social, and family history, including all medical conditions and medications.

Alternative treatments: Consideration of physical, occupational, massage and aqua therapies.

Integrative health: Consideration of practices that include acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and meditation.

Mental health support: Including cognitive behavioral therapy and teaching coping skills.

Pacific Rehabilitation Centers offers many of these alternatives treatments to injured workers looking beyond addictive medications.