Jennifer Mathews: After prostate surgery, Stephen Huntington didn't get the normal treatment for his pain. Instead, doctors gave him a pain patch.
Stephen Huntington: Instead of having to lug around a cart with an IV, you're walking around with this little credit-card-sized patch.
Jennifer Mathews: With the push of a button, the patch sends pain relief through the skin. Doctor Eugene Viscusi says this patch is just one way pain treatment is changing.
Eugene Viscusi: I think the future of pain medicine will be less invasive, less external technology, which may lead to medication errors and equipment malfunctions.
Jennifer Mathews: Even pain pills are transforming. Some last for prolonged periods, so patients can take them less frequently. Another product under study is depomorphine.
Eugene Viscusi: With a single epidural injection, pain relief can be obtained for about 48 hours.
Jennifer Mathews: Stephen is fully recovered and is back at work at his law office.
Stephen Huntington: While I certainly wouldn't recommend this surgery as a recreational activity, I guess I appreciated the fact that this aspect of the painkiller delivery system made it a little bit easier.
Jennifer Mathews: With options like these on the horizon, pain relief won't be such a pain anymore. This Jennifer Mathews reporting.
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