When Pain Medication Stops Working

Summary

Topic Key point
Why medication stops working Progression, tolerance, or a change in pain type — not a dead end
Check first Is the right medication being used? Taken correctly? Side effects managed?
Next options Injections, surgery, and SCS are all available
Don't endure in silence Unmanaged pain leads to a downward spiral that's hard to reverse
Family role Help with appointments, medication tracking, and emotional support

Next Steps

Medication — A detailed guide to the different types of pain medication

Nerve Block Injections — How injections work and what to expect

Should Your Elderly Parent Have Surgery? — A guide to making the surgical decision

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) — A less invasive option when other treatments haven't worked

Family Support Guide — Practical ways to help your parent through treatment