Event Title

Investigating Chronic Pain Treatment: Is Kratom Worthy?

Presenter Information

Rachael Denny

Faculty Mentor

Prof. Kleanthe Caruso

Document Type

Poster Presentation

Date of Publication

2021

Abstract

Chronic pain is a burden millions of Americans live with daily. Insufficient pain management has led to poor quality of life, abuse potential, and increased suicides among chronic pain clients. With fear of abuse potential and decreased ability to complete activities of daily living using current approved opioids, Americans seek out alternative treatment modalities. For generations people have sought out alternative, herbal, and medicinal substances to assist in healthcare management. A tropical plant in Southeast Asia, Kratom or Mitragyna speciosa, has increasingly become a substance of investigation for its pain relief properties and benefits. There is substantial evidence that Kratom has therapeutic properties in pain treatment without the many adverse effects associated with prescription opioid use. This article aims to provide evidence supporting the need for change in chronic pain management by understanding current treatment options, medical providers and client's preferences, and a plan to integrate into practice a viable alternative therapy for client's using Kratom to promote quality of life and safely manage chronic pain.

Keywords

Kratom, Chronic Pain, Opioids

Persistent Identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/3028

Comments

Stephanie commented "I agree that this was a thoughtful, well researched and professional presentation. However, there are currently millions of Chronic Pain Patients being denied refills for opioids that they have used successfully to battle pain and maintain a minimal quality of life. The problem referred to as the "opioid crises" is really "opioid hysteria" caused by the CDC 2016 guidelines that were written using information by PROP. The information provided by PROP was not researched or vetted before the CDC published. The PROP information has since then proven to be incorrect, using addicts opioid usage and death as a call to arms to remove all opioid from pain patients and punish Physicians who continue to attempt to treat their patients in a manner that works, and does not show evidence of addiction or major side effects. The question is not does Kratom work as an alternative. The question is why are pain patients being denied legal medications and being treated as addicts. If you wish to see information on Kratom, there are many pain forums that talk about real experience with Kratom for you to read. And why again, are we looking for an alternative to opioids? Chronic Pain Patients use opioids according to instructions, don't Dr. shop for additional prescriptions. Personally, I would schedule any out of home visits or meetings for mornings. I would purposefully skip my morning pain medications until I was done driving for the day. Why isn't the real question: Why are pain patients on opioids, under Drs. care being denied adequate and legal pain medications? Again, your presentation was well done, professional and well thought out for the topic. I just don't know why you are trying to find an alternative to pivot away from opioids when they're legal and they work.?"

Dr. Mark Owens commented "Great presentation of Kratom by first identifying that it is a substance that has been recently considered within the U.S. context. The clear review of evidence of the ways this substance has been shown to reduce pain. I found myself asking: are these benefits greater than other non-opioid pain relievers? Also, I found the realistic plan to broaden the introduction of the substance into the U.S health care system as something that will advance the discussion."; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you Dr. Owens. To answer your question, 'are these benefits greater than other non-opioid pain relievers?' Yes, from what the research states. However, headaches and dental pain do not seem to be affected as successfully as musculoskeletal and nervous system pain, from say a chronic spine injury or neuropathy pathways of pain. I have seen subjects first hand testify to the preference of Kratom over opioids. Thank you again for your comment. Rachael".

Anna Fontenot commented "Great presentation on a topic many of us suffer with. I live with chronic pain as you know and it has completely changed me and my entire way of life, from depression to energy levels for everyday task. Thank you sister for researching this! I pray this will help many of us that just want our lives back! Great job!"; Rachael Denny commented "Anna, Thank you for your comment and honesty. If I ever get the opportunity to implement this plan, I would love to have you! The world changes slow, but it is changing. Thank you, Rachael."

Dr. Pamela Lake commented "Rachael, You have created a professional presentation that is informative and meaningful in the midst of the Opioid Crisis our country is suffering through. Your poster is well designed and visually inviting for the reader. You followed the EBP Process in asking a question, placing it into a PICOT format, and finding relevant evidence. You then appraised, evaluated. and synthesized the data, finally making recommendations that are well supported and well organized. You have demonstrated competency in Evidence Based Decision Making! Best of luck as you graduate and move into practice as a RN. I hope you consider returning to us in the MSN program in the future to take your talents to the next level! Dr. Pamela Lake."; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you Dr. Lake for your time and comments. The opioid crisis is a truly passionate subject for me, so many live with horrible pain and depression because of that pain. The adverse effects of current opioid treatments adversely increase a clients risk for death. I look forward to returning to the masters program in years to come. Thank you again, Rachael."

Stacey commented "Great job Rachel way to go."; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you, Stacy"

Tarah commented "Great job sister!"; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you, Tarah."

Vicki Jowell commented "Very nice work and presentation Rachel. Mrs. Jowell"; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you Mrs. Jowell."

Janice Miles commented "Good job Rachel."; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you Mrs. Miles."

Kleanthe Caruso commented "Great job Rachel. Very interesting topic, Mrs. C.; Rachael Denny commented "Thank you Mrs. Caruso, your guidance was key to my completion and success."

Lisa F commented "It's good to see this topic brought to public attention and presented in an unbiased light. As a person who benefits greatly from this botanical, I'm appreciative of the efforts of those who educate about it."; "Rachael Denny commented "Thank you Lisa, your comment is valued. There's so much that still needs done in the approach and treatments for chronic pain but I'm hopeful. Rachael"