Standard of care for pain management

The standard of care for musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis pain in the hip, knee, and chronic lower back pain begins with exercise and education. Healthcare providers should prioritize working with patients on specific exercises to strengthen and mobilize affected areas, as well as providing education on what activities to avoid. Weight loss is also crucial, as excess weight places additional strain on these areas. However, many healthcare providers are skipping these conservative measures and immediately resorting to medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or even stronger prescriptions. This deviates from the standard of care and can lead to further degenerative changes and potential surgery.