💊 As an orthopedic surgeon, I prescribe opioids on a regular basis for pain, especially after surgery. They can be very effective for treating severe pain when used appropriately. That said, some of my patients ask about non-opioid alternatives because they’ve previously experienced side effects like constipation 🤢, nausea 🤮, excessive drowsiness 😴, or they simply want to avoid opioids due to concerns about dependency. Here are five of the most common non-opioid options I discuss: ✅ Ibuprofen – Excellent for inflammation and relieving pain from orthopedic injuries, but long-term use can increase the risk of stomach ulcers, kidney problems, and cardiovascular issues. Use over three weeks has been shown to potentially delay healing of bone and soft tissue. ✅ Tylenol (Acetaminophen) – Effective for many types of pain and easy on the stomach, but excessive doses can cause serious liver damage. ✅ Topical & Oral CBD – Topical CBD is becoming increasingly popular, and a small rando...