A Holistic & Practical Approach for Addressing Opioid Substance Use Disorder-Levin

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Andrew Levin, a board-certified physiatrist, osteopathic physician, and medical acupuncturist, presents on how osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and acupuncture can help manage pain and potentially reduce opioid use. He explains that chronic pain and opioid use disorder are closely linked and should be treated with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary plan involving physicians, psychology, physical/occupational therapy, and social support.<br /><br />The talk reviews the pain-spasm-pain cycle, autonomic and nervous system involvement, and osteopathic concepts such as somatic dysfunction and viscerosomatic reflexes. OMT techniques discussed include soft tissue, myofascial release, counterstrain, muscle energy, and high-velocity low-amplitude thrusts, all aimed at reducing muscle tension, improving motion, and breaking pain cycles. He cites studies showing OMT can reduce low back pain, migraine burden, and pain-related symptoms.<br /><br />The acupuncture section covers meridians, safety, auricular acupuncture, battlefield acupuncture, and electroacupuncture. He explains how acupuncture may influence brain pain pathways and reviews evidence supporting its use for acute and chronic pain, including low back pain and emergency department pain, with benefits that can last months.<br /><br />Overall, he concludes that both OMT and acupuncture are safe, cost-effective, and useful adjuncts in chronic pain care and may help lessen opioid dependence.

Asset Caption

Dr. Levin DEA OMT Recording

Keywords

osteopathic manipulative treatment

acupuncture

chronic pain

opioid use disorder

pain management

myofascial release

battlefield acupuncture