Navigating non-opioid pain management options with your loved ones
Pain is complex. Care shouldn’t be. You deserve science-backed options that support safer, more confident healing for you and the people who rely on you. Here, you’ll find trusted information and practical resources you can act on.
Today's caregiver: In the middle of it all
Whether you identify as a caregiver or simply as someone caring for a loved one, you’re probably balancing a lot — caring for kids, supporting aging parents, managing work, and still trying to show up for yourself. Managing pain care on top of everything else can feel overwhelming and confusing.
But you are not alone.
Caregivers spend an average of nearly 27 hours per week providing care to others, and nearly 25% provide 40 or more hours1
70% of family caregivers report that they monitor their loved one’s health and coordinate care1
61% of patients say the healthcare system leaves them feeling confused or on their own2
As more families rely on caregivers to guide pain and recovery decisions, meaningful support is essential. Clear communication and modern non-opioid pain options can help you feel supported, confident, and equipped to navigate healing with your loved ones.
Today's caregiver: In the middle of it all
Whether you identify as a caregiver or simply as someone caring for a loved one, you’re probably balancing a lot — caring for kids, supporting aging parents, managing work, and still trying to show up for yourself. Managing pain care on top of everything else can feel overwhelming and confusing.
But you are not alone.
Caregivers spend an average of nearly 27 hours per week providing care to others, and nearly 25% provide 40 or more hours1
70% of family caregivers report that they monitor their loved one’s health and coordinate care1
61% of patients say the healthcare system leaves them feeling confused or on their own2
As more families rely on caregivers to guide pain and recovery decisions, meaningful support is essential. Clear communication and modern non-opioid pain options can help you feel supported, confident, and equipped to navigate healing with your loved ones.
Why pain management matters
Unmanaged pain has real consequences, both immediately after surgery and long after. It can slow recovery, limit daily activities, and amplify existing strain for both patients and the people supporting them.
Pain is personal. And, for many, pain is not a short-term issue. Many caregivers and patients spend years managing pain through trial and error. Chronic pain is increasingly common, and treatment options can feel limited or unclear. When surgery becomes necessary, the process can feel slow and isolating.
This is the reality many families are navigating. It’s why understanding your pain management options matters.
with poorly controlled post-surgical pain have worse recovery outcomes3
live with chronic pain, and millions experience pain severe enough to limit daily life3
In it together
Explore recent discussions and media coverage about pain, recovery and caring for loved ones.
Caregiving, recovery, and the power of preparation
In every family, there is an unofficial “Chief Medical Officer” – the person who is managing appointments, asking questions, researching treatment options, and carrying the invisible weight of a loved one’s health. But when surgery is on the horizon, there’s a lot more to consider. To truly advocate for a family member, you must understand the total patient journey, from doctor discussions all the way to recovery.
Marcy Crouch, PT, DPT, WCS, explores how her own shift from clinician to caregiver changed her perspective on the critical need to understand the before, during, and after of the journey and the importance of making informed decisions for anyone in the family.
Explore resources
Managing pain with a targeted approach
For too long, opioids have been the default approach. While they can play a role in care, they change how pain is perceived rather than addressing its source. And associated side effects can disrupt healing and daily life when stability matters most.
Today, more providers are embracing non-opioid pain management approaches that support healing with fewer compromises. Effective, targeted pain management can help prevent prolonged pain and support a safer, faster recovery.
Yet most patients don’t realize there are effective pain management options that don’t rely on opioids – and many aren’t told about them unless they ask. Starting a conversation with your healthcare provider about pain management, especially before surgery, can help you advocate for a pain management plan that best supports your loved one’s needs.
Your pain care checklist
Whether you are preparing for surgery or you’re advocating for someone you care for, the questions below can help you guide a clearer, more confident conversation with your provider.
- Your personal pain history
- Any previous side effects from medications
- Concerns about opioid exposure
- Recovery expectations
- Support needs at home
- What non-opioid pain management options are available for this procedure or condition?
- How can we manage pain at the source rather than relying on opioids?
- What recovery timeline should we expect and what signs should I look for if I’m supporting someone at home?
- What tools or therapies can help us manage recovery confidently at home?
References
- AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving. Caregiving in the U.S., 2020.
- KFF Health Tracking Poll, 2023.
- Apfelbaum, et al. Anesth Analog. 2003.; CDC. Chronic Pain Prevalence in the U.S., 2023.
- CDC, Chronic Pain and High-impact Chronic Pain in U.S. Adults, 2023.
- Pacira Biosciences, On the Rebound Survey Report, 2020.
Our commitment
Pacira is committed to advancing safer, science-backed pain care that helps people recover and return to what matters most. Better is possible, and it starts with informed choices.