Managing chronic pain can be challenging, and many people want to reduce their reliance on pain medications. While medications can be helpful, long-term use—especially opioids—can lead to dependence and reduced effectiveness over time. Fortunately, there are proven strategies to help manage pain while lowering the need for medication.

Treatments like physical therapy, interventional procedures, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), and behavioral therapy have been shown to help many patients reduce pain and improve function. Research shows that SCS, in particular, has helped patients lower their reliance on opioids by providing long-term pain relief in conditions like post-laminectomy syndrome and diabetic neuropathy.

Lifestyle changes such as regular movement, weight management, and proper nutrition can also play a key role in pain control. Studies suggest that exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy can retrain the brain’s response to pain, helping people rely less on medications over time.

If you’re looking to reduce your dependence on pain medication, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments, including SCS and other pain management options. A comprehensive plan can help improve pain control and quality of life while reducing medication use safely.