Pain management usually requires a unique, multifaceted approach tailored to each patient. There are various ways in which doctors treat both acute and chronic pain. These methods vary from medical treatment and prescriptions to alternative treatments such as acupuncture to improve a patient’s quality of life. Here are a few ways doctors help manage pain:
Medications
Doctors can assess your pain levels and prescribe over-the-counter or prescription medication. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for mild pain. If your pain is more severe, they may prescribe you a stronger painkiller. Some kinds of pain may also be treated with muscle relaxants and antidepressants.
Nerve blocks or corticosteroid injections may help provide targeted relief of localized pain. Nerve blocks temporarily numb the nerve signals to an areal, which eases pain for a while. Corticosteroids decrease inflammation and pain related to arthritis or injuries. Trigger point injections release muscle knots that trigger tension and pain.
Surgery
Doctors might recommend surgery if less invasive treatments fail to relieve pain. Severe arthritis can cause joints to wear out and become painful, but joint replacement surgery may eliminate the pain. Doctors may also recommend nerve decompression surgery that relieves pressure on pain receptors that cause chronic pain. Spinal fusions or other similar procedures may stabilize the spine and decrease back pain.
Physical And Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Physical therapy usually includes exercises and stretches to increase flexibility, strength, and posture while rehabbing an injury. Physical therapists may guide patients through stretching, resistance training, or aerobic exercises. In some cases, ultrasound therapy and electrical stimulation are used in rehabilitation. These therapies aim to increase mobility and decrease pain in the affected areas.
Therapists can help patients by teaching them how to think differently about pain using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on altering negative thought patterns, enabling patients to manage chronic pain more effectively. This approach is useful for people whose pain worsens due to stress or anxiety and who may have already tried physical therapy. Some therapists teach relaxation techniques and ways to cope with pain so patients can better manage it.
Acupuncture And TENS Units
Acupuncture involves thin needles being inserted into pressure points in the body to relieve pain. The needles stimulate the nerves and may reduce the pain signals sent to the brain. Acupuncture can help with headaches, back pain, or osteoarthritis. Occasionally, practitioners can add other therapies to this traditional Chinese practice to help manage pain.
TENS units, or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation units, deliver low levels of electrical impulses to trip pain signals. They place electrodes on the skin around the painful area to reduce discomfort. TENS therapy is noninvasive and can be used for conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or post-surgical pain. This treatment stimulates the body to produce endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Heat/Cold Therapy
Doctors often suggest switching between alternating heat and cold packs for pain management. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and helps relieve the sharp pain that occurs with injury. Heat therapy helps to Relax tense muscles and increase blood flow to the area to promote healing. These treatments are commonly used to treat minor injuries or chronic conditions like arthritis at home.
Get Pain Management Solutions
Doctors use various methods to manage pain, addressing both physical and psychological aspects. Treatment plans are personalized for each patient, ranging from medications and surgeries to alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care. Multiple treatments can be done together to relieve pain, increase mobility, and improve overall well-being. Reach out to experienced doctors who can help you with pain management.