MHS pain management enters new era with a broader approach to pain care than traditional methods.

The Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale provides more and better ways to assess pain levels.

Lt. Col. Jennifer Varney discusses DHA's approach to pain management and alternatives to opioids.

Everyone experiences pain at some point in their life. The MHS approach to treating pain is evolving to be safer, tailored, and more effective. Learn more about the new pain paradigm here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/833933/pain-management-paradigm

“For someone experiencing chronic or acute pain the best thing to do, other than seek professional treatment, is to educate yourself on what’s happening inside your body and brain. Watch this video to learn the difference between chronic and acute pain, their possible causes, and how to find treatment. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/850903 ...

Traditional approaches to pain care opted to simply medicate and satiate immediate needs. Now, the health care industry is committed to finding holistic and gradual methods to improve patients’ overall quality of life and restore a higher level of function. Watch this video to learn more: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/856199/essentials-quality-pain-care

Clinicians used to ask patients what their pain was on a simple scale of one to ten. We now know that pain just isn’t that simple. Watch this video to learn why the Defense and Veteran’s Pain Rating Scale is a much-needed improvement (and how to use it to assess your own pain): https://www.dvidshub.net/video/856198/new-dod-pain-assessment-tool

“While rest is an important component to recovering from injuries and reducing your pain, sometimes you can reduce sensitivity and prevent chronic pain through physical activity. Talk to your doctor for more personalized advice and start retraining your brain with these resources: www.tricare.mil/PainManagement #Painmanagement #PainParadigm”

“When it comes to treating pain, we all wish for a fast fix. However, treating pain requires a holistic, gradual approach to restore patients to a higher level of function and return service members to full duty status. https://tricare.mil/HealthWellness/Featured-Health-Topic #Painmanagement #PainParadigm”

“Learn the names of common prescription opioids so you can stay vigilant about your pain management medications. These medications are highly addictive, so talk to your doctor about the risks of use early to minimize complications. https://www.tricare.mil/opioidsafety #Painmanagement #PainParadigm”

“Common prescription opioids like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Morphine are highly addictive and can be extremely dangerous if misused. Pay attention to these signs of abuse and seek help immediately if they present themselves. Learn more about opioid safety here: https://www.tricare.mil/opioidsafety #Painmanagement #PainParadigm”

“DOD and VA developed a Stepped Care Model of pain management that utilizes evidence-based treatments to manage pain and seeks to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic. Learn more here: www.tricare.mil/painmanagement #Painmanagement #PainParadigm”

“Opioids are a useful tool to manage extreme pain but can be extremely dangerous if misused. Talk to your doctor about how to SAFELY use opioids to temporarily manage pain and to develop a collaborative plan to taper you off opioids as soon as it is appropriate. You can learn more about MHS efforts to lower the risks of opioid misuse here: https:/ ...

“Opioids are serious medications. Ensure you’re prepared to use them safely before going home with a prescription. Check out these tips and click on the link below to find helpful resources and learn more: https://www.tricare.mil/opioidsafety #Painmanagement #PainParadigm”

“Acute and chronic pain often require different treatments, so it’s important to understand their fundamental differences. Learn more about pain management here: www.tricare.mil/painmanagement #PainParadigm”