3. Are prescription opioids the most effective type of pain medication for all types of chronic pain?

Prescription opioids are effective for treating some types of pain, for example, pain after surgery or from an injury. They are not effective for functional pain such as migraine, fibromyalgia or irritable bowel. It’s important to know that other families of drugs can relieve pain. The choice of product is usually determined based on the type of pain you have. Your doctor may decide not to use an opioid because it is not an effective option for your medical condition.