"How to Safely Get Off Pain Medication After Long-Term Use in Murfreesboro, TN"

Living with chronic pain is hard enough. But when you’ve been on prescription pain medication for years, trying to stop can feel overwhelming—even impossible.

If you’re in Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Smyrna, Winchester, or Manchester and wondering whether you’ll ever be able to come off your pain meds, you’re not alone. Many patients walk through our doors at Tennessee Pain Associates with the same question:

“I’ve been on opioids for years—can I actually stop?”

The answer is yes. And more importantly: you don’t have to do it alone.

📞 Call us at (615) 849-4006 or request an appointment online to take the first step.

Why It Feels So Hard to Come Off Pain Medications

Prescription opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine can be helpful in the short term, especially after surgery or injury. But long-term use can lead to:

• Physical dependence (your body adapts and expects the medication)

• Tolerance (needing higher doses for the same relief)

• Side effects like brain fog, constipation, or fatigue

• Increased sensitivity to pain (a condition called opioid-induced hyperalgesia)

So even when you're ready to stop, your brain and body may resist. This doesn’t mean you’re addicted—it means your nervous system has adapted. That’s a medical condition, and it can be treated.

Option 1: Gradual Weaning (Tapering)

One of the safest ways to come off pain medication is through a supervised tapering plan. At Tennessee Pain Associates, we:

• Review your current medications and medical history

• Design a slow, step-by-step taper tailored to your needs

• Prescribe medications or supplements to help with sleep, mood, and withdrawal symptoms

• Offer interventional pain treatments like nerve blocks, joint injections, or ablations to help control your pain during the process

This approach can reduce withdrawal symptoms and avoid the “crash” that some patients fear. Many people are surprised by how manageable it is—especially with the right support.

Option 2: Buprenorphine (Transdermal or Oral)

For patients who have been on high-dose opioids or who struggle with tapering, buprenorphine can be a great option.

Unlike other opioids, buprenorphine (Suboxone or Butrans patch) works differently in the brain. It:

• Controls both pain and cravings

• Has a ceiling effect (lower risk of overdose or sedation)

• Can be used safely for chronic pain

• Comes in both oral and transdermal patch forms

This medication is not just for addiction treatment—it’s a valuable tool for managing chronic pain in a safer way. We work closely with you to see if this might be a fit.

✅ Note: We do not use buprenorphine injection therapy—only patch or oral options.

Option 3: Treating the Pain Differently

The goal isn’t just to get off medication—it’s to make sure your pain is better managed without them.

We look at the full picture:

• Is there inflammation, nerve pain, arthritis, or spinal compression?

• Could a targeted injection or radiofrequency ablation offer long-lasting relief?

• Are there regenerative options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that might help?

By treating the underlying cause of pain and not just covering it with opioids, patients often find that they don’t need the medications like they once did.

What a Visit Looks Like

Here’s what you can expect when you come to see us:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation – We take time to understand your medical history and your goals.

2. Medication Review – What are you taking, how long, and what has helped or hurt?

3. Taper Plan or Buprenorphine Discussion – We present the options and let you decide.

4. Pain Relief Strategies – Injections, physical therapy referrals, nerve treatments, etc.

5. Ongoing Support – We’re with you every step of the way.

You’re Not Alone — And There Is a Way Forward

Getting off pain medication after years of use can feel daunting, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your health, your clarity, and your future.

Let’s do it together.

📞 Call Tennessee Pain Associates at (615) 849-4006👨‍⚕️ Meet Dr. David Delatte📅 Schedule your appointment today

Serving Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Shelbyville, Manchester, and Winchester, we specialize in safe opioid tapering, chronic pain relief, and compassionate care.