When thinking of the strongest pain medication available, many often think of opioids; however, several recently published peer-review articles have demonstrated that opioid management is not as effective as many would think. One study published found that Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, as well as acetaminophen or Tylenol, proved better at improving the intensity of chronic back, knee, and hip pain when compared to opioids, and that those receiving opioids had significantly more adverse effects from their medication (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2673971).
Another study that followed patients in an Emergency Room setting found that there was no significant difference in acute pain reduction between those who took ibuprofen, acetaminophen or opioids (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2661581).
At NewportCare, we are committed to finding more effective ways to manage pain beyond opioid therapy. This includes interventional pain techniques such as epidurals, radiofrequency ablation and neuromodulation, coupled with physical therapy and adjuvant (non-opioid) medications proven to be more effective and safer for chronic pain. Regenerative medicine also presents an exciting new treatment option for our patients which includes stem cell therapy, prolotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) all with goals of strengthening and regenerating the body with its own cells.
Authorship Bio:
Dr. Dworkin earned his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Muhlenberg College and pursued his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. He then completed his residency in PM&R at the University of California, Los Angeles and the VA of Greater Los Angeles where he served as a chief resident. Following his completion of residency, Dr. Dworkin continued his training in Pain Medicine, also at the University of California, Los Angeles.
During his career, Dr. Dworkin has published several book chapters on regenerative medicine as well as published many research papers and case reports in notable peer-reviewed journals including PM&R: The Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, and The Journal of Pain Medicine. He has also given several lectures at national conferences and his work has been presented in several annual assemblies.
Dr. Dworkin specializes in interventional pain management, treating a variety of painful spinal disorders such as degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy, as well as various musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, and shoulders. He believes in a comprehensive, evidence-based, holistic approach to pain management, tailored not only to each patient’s unique symptoms, but to their daily lives as well. Using interventional pain techniques such as epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative medicine, as well as ultrasound-guidance and electrodiagnostics, Dr. Dworkin seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy, thereby maximizing patient’s outcomes and functional goals.
