The mechanisms for pain management can be simple or complex, depending on what causes the pain. Nerve root irritation is an example of less complex pain originating from Herniated disc, where you will experience pain radiating down the leg. You may need an injection or epidural therapy to alleviate the pain. The injection can treat the pain, but when it fails, it may require an expert technique that may include interventional procedures, medication management, physical therapy, or even Acupuncture.
Pain management may involve skills and services that may demand some human aspects and lifestyle change.
What is Pain Management?
Pain management is a technique that reduces and controls the amount of pain you experience because of a condition. The techniques are effective for treating chronic pain, and you will learn many ways. Not all techniques are medicinal; other options will demand a lifestyle change.
Types of Pain
Before delving into how you can manage pain, one must understand the types of pains that one can experience when suffering from a condition. There are two main types of pain.
- Chronic pain: chronic pain is a kind of pain that will take longer to heal or instead takes a longer time than expected for healing. Doctors believe that chronic pain will take more than three months for it to heal completely.
- Acute pain: Acute pain will respond to a medical or any injury. The acute pain can start shortly but will suddenly disappear after an injection or a medication.
Pain can be anything from a dull ache, a sharp stab, an mild or extreme pain. You can feel pain from parts or the whole part of the body.
Pain Management: Treating Mind and Body
Let#8217;s now consider the pain management options that can be effective when treating the mind and body.
Drug therapy
Drug therapy remains to be one of the best ways through which you can manage your pain. They include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammation drugs, Opioids, and antidepressants. Here is a brief description of each of them;
Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs)
Individuals suffering from inflammations and pain knows what NSAIDs can do. These types of medications are available in the form of capsules, tablets, or even creams. NSAIDs may help treat pain and inflammation but may cause some issues such as stomachache, cardiovascular pain, and other issues. You can always consult your physician before getting started with Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Opioids
Opioids may work the same way as NSAIDs, treat moderate to severe pain, and be appropriate for short-term use. They are also addictive, and one must not use them as a long-term pain management option. You can only opt for Opioids when you are sure that the risk will outweigh the risks. It is prudent to note that there is no research backing that supports Opioids as the best means for treating pain.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are best for people who are suffering from depression. It is worth noting that some antidepressants will be best for treating conditions such as pain and inflammation. Amitriptyline, for instance, can be helpful for pain relief. You will take it at a lower dose to heal you from chronic pain, diabetes, and neuropathic diseases. You will, though, experience some side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are drugs that can also help relieve pain and inflammation. The drug will slow down the heart and stop hormones, including adrenaline, from working hence best for treating migraines. Beta-blockers at slow doses can temporarily reduce chronic pain for women who have Fibromyalgia and temporomandibular syndrome. Beta-blockers can be good for reducing pain but are not the best option for everyone. You should consult your doctor before using them as a means to treat chronic pain.
Cannabis
Cannabis is another option that can help treat chronic and acute pain. CBD products, for instance, are effective that many users are now using for pain management. According to the 2017 study, it states that cannabis can treat neuropathic pain. It may not be suitable for treating pain from Fibromyalgia, headache, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, cannabis for medicinal purposes may not be legal everywhere. High doses can trigger side effects, so it is best to check with a health professional before using CBD for pain relief.
Therapy
You can also manage pain using non-medical options such as therapy. There are two types of therapy that the article shall deliberate; physical and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves techniques that will strengthen and stretch your muscles and joints. This method can effectively relieve pain in some specific parts of the body, though every method you will use will be effective for a specific reason. Therapeutic exercises will have long-term benefits and will even help people cope with pain.
Physical therapy techniques may include massage, exercise plans, and red light therapy.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a mechanism that can treat chronic pain. This psychological treatment will reduce the effects of chronic pain. A 2013 review concluded that cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces long-term pain.
Other pain management options may include transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, where electric vibrations will be passed along the area you are experiencing pain.
Relaxation Techniques
You may also need to consider relaxation techniques to deal with chronic pain. Relaxation techniques will ease muscle tension, aches, spasms, and pains. Relaxation techniques will also stimulate the body to release endorphins which are natural painkillers.
Most common relaxation techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, thinking calmly, calming activities, taking a warm bath, and reading a book.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy are risk-free pain management strategies. They are among the advanced pain management practices that you can employ when you are healing from pain. Heat will relax your muscles and dilate the blood vessels hence enhancing blood flow. Cold therapy, on the other hand, will reduce blood flow hence reducing inflammation.
Manipulation and Massage
Manipulation and massage are among the best options that can help you when you are managing pain. Massage is a soft tissue manipulation technique and can be helpful when you use it with other techniques like physical and medical therapy.
The Bottom Line
Pain is a severe condition that can haunt you if not well managed. It is essential to consider the steps that will relieve you with chronic and acute pain. You can use medical, therapeutic, or physical ways to heal yourself from such pain. In instances where you will be opting for medicinal drugs, you should consult your physician first.