INTG-06 - Lend an Ear: Auricular Therapy Protocols for Pain Management

Pain is a very common complaint and will quickly reduce quality of life. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 Americans suffer from chronic pain, with over 130 million narcotic prescriptions written in 2022. From 1999 to 2021 in the US, approximately 280,000 deaths occurred due to overdose, of a prescribed opioid. In this day of opioid abuse and polypharmacy, providers who are on the frontlines in primary care need alternatives that are safe and do not cause more side effects. Auricular therapy has been utilized for thousands of years and in the past 15 years has become widely utilized within the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration to reduce both acute and chronic pain in our service members and veterans. Auricular therapy is easy to learn, safe, effective and cost effective.
The primary goal of this presentation is to increase the clinical knowledge of the provider, on the ease and utility of these protocols. This information may increase the ability of the provider to offer pain reduction treatments that do not increase the possibility of opioid dependency or abuse. This presentation gives a review of the origins of auricular therapy and the possible mechanisms of action. Further detail includes: the medical diagnosis that can be treated with auricular therapy, several of the most common protocols, current research supporting the use of this treatment modality, precautions and information on the cost of auricular therapy. This presentation includes several case presentations which helps in understanding the ease of using this valuable skill and the importance of considering the use of this treatment in treating patients with pain.