Assessing current non-pharmacologic pain management practices for sickle cell disease in adults - Takeaways - MDSpire

Assessing current non-pharmacologic pain management practices for sickle cell disease in adults

  • By

  • Shreya Kolipaka

  • Michelle L. Axe

  • Charmaine S. Wright

  • Stephanie H. Guarino

  • July 16, 2026

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  • 1

    Sickle cell disease (SCD) causes significant pain, often managed with opioids, despite limited evidence for their long-term efficacy.

  • 2

    Participants in the study reported various coping skills, with 81.8% linking stress to pain and a strong interest in group interventions.

  • 3

    Chronic pain affects 70% of adults with SCD, leading to increased healthcare utilization and poorer quality of life.

  • 4

    Non-pharmacologic therapies can address emotional and social aspects of pain management, which are often overlooked in opioid therapy.

  • 5

    Peer-led self-management groups have shown positive outcomes in other chronic diseases, suggesting potential benefits for SCD pain management.

Original Source(s)

Assessing current non-pharmacologic pain management practices for sickle cell disease in adults

  • by Shreya Kolipaka, Michelle L. Axe, Charmaine S. Wright, Stephanie H. Guarino

  • July 16, 2026

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