Pain Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
September is Pain Awareness Month. The goal of this month is to raise awareness of how pain affects people and their daily lives. This month also focuses on chronic pain. Chronic pain affects approximately 50 million U.S. adults and high-impact chronic pain affects approximately 20 million U.S. adults.
Chronic pain can come in the form of:
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Achy joints
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Neuropathy
- And many others
Medical Care for Chronic Pain
We know your pain is real and we want to help. We also want you to know that there is not a magic cure for chronic pain. Sometimes medication like anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants can help. Often, the best results come from physical therapy, exercise, diet changes, or weight loss. Alternative therapies can also be beneficial for some patients. Every patient is different and it is important to talk about your specific case with your medical provider who knows your medical history.
Alternative therapies can include:
- Acupuncture
- Guided Imagery
- Chiropractic Treatment
- Yoga
- Aromatherapy
- Massage
- And more
To read more about alternative pain management, click HERE.
Substance Use Disorder Awareness
Some people develop an opiate use disorder because of medication prescribed for pain. Opioid dependence is a physical reaction to chronic opioid use and a person will experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop taking the opioid medication. It is important that patients take their medications as prescribed, to know the signs of abuse, and to talk with their medical provider about any concerns. It is also very important to consult your provider before stopping medication.
Chapa-De providers follow CDC guidelines for pain management and we do not usually prescribe opioids for chronic pain. This is because it decreases breathing rates and increases risk for things like constipation, falls, and death. We help people get off these medications as well. If you are prescribed this medication at Chapa-De, it is through a pain contract, and patients are required to come in for regular visits and testing to keep you safe.
Sometimes, opioid dependence can become Opioid Use Disorder. These patients experience opioid dependence along with other symptoms, such as difficulty controlling the amount of the opioid the person uses, problems in social functioning, and taking the opioid in risky situations. Chapa-De’s SUD Team offers treatment and support to individuals experiencing Substance Use Disorders.
We offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at both Chapa-De locations. We have a team of specially trained doctors, addiction nurses and behavioral health specialists dedicated to supporting our patients in their recovery from substance use, including those using opioid pain medications, heroin, and stimulants.
We also offer a Red Road to Wellbriety Talking Circle, which is a recovery group open to all Chapa-De patients seeking recovery and support.
To learn more about substance use disorder services at Chapa-De, visit HERE.
Pharmacy Services at Chapa-De
We are proud to have convenient in-house pharmacies at both of our health centers. We are able to provide our patients with many reduced-cost medications. New prescriptions are filled while-you-wait, and refills are available within three business days of a request. We now offer convenient mail order service so your medications can be delivered to your mailbox. We also offer home delivery to patients in Auburn.
To learn more about Chapa-De’s pharmacy services, click HERE.
For more information about Chapa-De, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
