A Health article reported on study findings from HSS anesthesiologist Stavros G. Memtsoudis, MD, PhD, who found that using two or more pain control methods rather than opioid medication after joint replacement surgery reduced risk to patients.

In addition to reduced risk, findings indicated that patients who received more than two types of pain management had fewer respiratory complications and shorter hospital stays.

"Patients need to be aware that there are ways to treat their pain during and after surgery in addition to opioids," said Dr. Memtsoudis.

"If the doctor prescribes more than one type of medicine for your pain, it may reduce your need for opioids," he added.

This article originally appeared at health.com.