Pain Management

From minor discomfort to intense agony, individuals perceive pain differently. This is why there are different treatment choices to address the unique negative sensations that patients experience due to pain.

Individuals may find some relief from debilitating pain so that they can enjoy their favorite activities and experience an increased quality of life.

Different Types of Pain Management

Not all patients can be good candidates for every type of pain management, so it is important that each individual discusses options with a qualified health care provider. There are many options that work better for certain types of pain. If one type of treatment does not bring relief, there may be a treatment option that will work better for an individual.

Medication

Medication could very well be the first line of treatment for many individuals, especially those that choose to use over-the-counter preparations. There are oral pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as pain-relieving creams and rubs. When these methods fail to bring the desired relief, a physician can prescribe something stronger. Additionally, injections can help to alleviate pain for a short period of time. However, medications simply address a symptom without relieving the underlying issue.

Manipulative Therapies

A health care provider may recommend physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even massage for an individual. These treatment options are aimed at realigning the spine or manipulating soft tissues to address the source of the pain. These treatments can be very effective for various type of musculoskeletal pain. These treatments can also provide a sense of relaxation, which can also be beneficial at controlling pain.

Alternative Medicine Treatments

Acupuncture and mind-body therapies can be effective at reducing the sensations of pain for many individuals. Yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, and guided imagery are just a few of the methods that can be used to involve patients in their own healing. While some of these options should be done by or with the assistance of a skilled professional, many of these can be performed in a patient’s own home as necessary.

Counseling

Because pain can be a symptom of a wide range of disorders, many patients can benefit from the addition of counseling sessions. This is especially beneficial for patients with chronic pain conditions that may be a result of an underlying mental illness, such as depression or anxiety. Counselors can offer some suggestions on how to better utilize the mind-body connection for the management of pain, especially when no physical cause can be found.

Self Help for Pain

There are many ways that patients can ease pain at home, even if they are seeing a physician for other types of treatment for pain. Hot and cold therapy, meditation, and relaxation techniques have been shown to help many individuals to better manage painful symptoms with or without other therapies.