An estimated 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain in the U.S., which can interfere with their ability to work, take part in normal activities, or enjoy life. The treatment of chronic pain is complex, even more so if a person struggles with a coexisting substance use disorder. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gregory Rudolf about the various treatment options for chronic pain, the problem of opioid-induced hyperalgesia in patients on long-term opioids, and how a holistic approach with active patient participation yields the best results.
Dr. Rudolf works in a multidisciplinary pain management specialty clinic at Swedish Health Services in Seattle. He is board certified in pain medicine, addiction medicine, and medical acupuncture. He is also certified and residency-trained in family medicine and brings a longitudinal, whole-person perspective to his work with patients who suffer from chronic pain and substance use disorders. He is the current chair of the American Society of Addiction Medicine Pain and Addiction Committee and the President of the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine. He is also on the clinical faculty of the University of Washington School of Medicine.
Learn more about Dr. Rudolf at https://schedule.swedish.org/doctors/pain-medicine/wa/seattle/gregory-rudolf-1871524728
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