Understanding that chronic pain is a problem is the very first in seeking treatment options and to combat with all the setbacks it carries.
After recognizing it as a complication, one can seek medical treatment from a certified doctor about the symptoms. This could have a positive impact on the treatment as the source of the chronic pain can be identified. If two individuals (you and the doctor) work together, there’s likeability that a comprehensive treatment can be developed for the pain suited to meet your health and lifestyle needs.
The treatment is complex, and depends on a person when it comes to viable results, what works best for one may not work for another. For many of us OTC (Over-the-counter) and medications can have an impact on the pain; however there are also large sections of people for whom a combination of treatments along with therapy have been found to be the most effective. The prescribed medications can be combined with physical therapy, regular exercise, acupuncture, many relaxation techniques and psychological counseling from a psychologist.
Various pain management experts call it a “multi-modality” treatment and vouch that it’s the best approach to managing chronic pain.
Some of the common OTC pain-relievers are acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Acetaminophen and NSAIDs have seemed to be the most effective to relieve mild pain. NSAIDs also help reduce inflammation and swelling.
These drugs do have the potential to minimize or, eliminate chronic pain effectively, but long-term use may result in severe side effects. We suggest you consult your doctor before trying OTC medicines. One can also use tropical creams to relieve pain associated with arthritis and muscle aches.
Prescription Medications:
Contrary to popular belief, some chronic pain can’t be brought under control with just OTC medication. You might want to look out for something stronger: nonopioids (aspirin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen), opioids (morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone) and adjuvant analgesics (antidepressants and anticonvulsant).
Antidepressants are commonly known to affect the way the brain processes pain by improving depression, anxiety and building your coping skill rapidly.
Again, these medications may have unpleasant side effects (like edema, nausea, breathing difficulties or, abnormal heartbeat) therefore talking to your doctor is a must.
If prescription medications fail to alleviate chronic pain, you may want to try a surgical implant, infusion pain to deliver medication directly where required. In times of pain at trigger points of your body, injections of a local anesthetic can be used to relieve pain.
Alternative and Lifestyle Therapies:
It’s hard to fathom but alternative and lifestyle therapies have found to lessen the need for medications by allowing patients to participate in pain management. These therapies include cognitive therapies, behavioral therapies and physical therapies.
As the source of a large percentage of chronic pain is tight muscles, it’s understood that regular exercise is critical for treating pain. Indulging in physical activity everyday releases more endorphins, strengthens muscles, increases joint mobility, improves your sleep and most importantly helps you relax.
Meditation, massage, yoga are a few of the many relaxation techniques. It also reduces stress, decrease muscle tension and improve flexibility.
One can also opt for traditional acupuncture and acupressure. They assist in manipulating the skin at key points prompting the body to release endorphins which can block signals of pain from being transferred to the brain.
There’s also another technique called Biofeedback that works by measuring information about physical characteristics: , brain activity, muscle tension, heart rate and skin temperature. The feedback is then utilized to enhance an individual’s awareness of physical changes associated with pain ultimately allowing him/her to train themselves to manage physical and emotional pain efficiently.
Before you decide on choosing any of the above mentioned techniques, make sure you have a word with your doctor or get in touch Orange County Pain Management, one of the best pain clinics in Orange County.
About Author
I’m Tany Clarck, primarily a writer, has been associated with pain management orange county ca and pain management San antonio for the past four years. I’ve been researching about the Pain management Factors and disabilities and have tried to guide many followers on how live a life without stress and minus pain.
