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Chronic pain management strategies

Pain, a villain we have encountered and fought with at various occasions throughout our lives, has its roots deeply embedded within us. Pain can be classified according to its duration and intensity. Acute pain is the kind which lasts for a short span and can be excruciating while chronic pain is more mild, continuous throbbing sensation that can last up to even six months or more. Although acute pains can be cured with over the counter medications, it is the chronic pain which is more debilitating. It requires immediate attention since it can potentially impede one’s normal lifestyle physically, mentally and socially. One tends to lag behind in undertaking routine activities like walking, running, dancing, lifting items and performing daily household chores. Chronic pain patients remain perpetually depressed and further lose interest in life and people around thus leading to one being completely isolated socially.

Chronic pains can have many causes and it is important to visit a physician or pain management center to seclude the actual reason behind it. Although medication and surgery have been the main resort to deal with chronic pains, alternative treatments like acupuncture, reiki and yoga are gaining great popularity world over.

The most common pain relieving strategies adopted by medical practitioners are discussed below.

1. Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, available over the counter primarily prescribed by doctors for joint conditions, may cause gastrointestinal disorders and tolerance level in the patients thus becoming redundant over the years. While drugs such as acetaminophen administered to combat headaches, tooth pain and arthritis should not be taken by people who suffer from liver ailments, on the other hand corticosteroids respond to inflammations effectively but should not be a long-term affair.

2. Stimulation techniques

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation technique utilized by therapists to cure joint and muscle pains is only for temporary relief. However, acupuncture, a Chinese alternate therapy also works on the technique of stimulation of energy zones in one’s body by piercing needles on the nodal points. This therapy is for people who prefer alternative techniques with no side effects.

3. Surgery

One of the least preferred options usually last on one’s list does have its complications and side effects and thus should be performed by experts on thorough check-up.

4. Physiotherapy

One of the positive options available to chronic pain patients, this technique utilizes the use of certain strengthening exercises and tissue massage to stimulate muscles and nerves. However, this therapy takes place through a series of continuous sessions and long-term benefits are possible only, if one follows the complete process.

Besides the aforementioned remedies, some simple yet radical changes in lifestyle can work wonders in abating chronic pains.

1. Keeping oneself hydrated helps relieving chronic headaches and back pains.

2. Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet plan with high intake of green leafy vegetables, asparagus, soy items, fruits and foods rich in omega 3 helps considerably in checking chronic pains.

3. A positive approach towards life helps in removing mental blocks that in the long run reduce chronic pains.

4. Engaging in activities that release stress such as mild exercises, walks, yoga, listening to soft music, watching movies and even gossiping with friends make one feel happy and contented.

5. Maintaining a straight posture plays a significant role in healing chronic pains. Head and neck should always be in line with the spine else the neck muscle get strained and blood flow stops temporarily causing severe pain.

6. Timely consultation with the therapist or one’s doctor can help detect chronic pain early and thus device therapies accordingly.

7. Maintaining a log book and keeping a track of the chronic pains, medications used and the amount of benefit received by using them would surely assist in counteracting future attacks.

Chronic pain in itself has always puzzled the medical fraternity due to its uncertain appearance which may or may not be hereditary and the reasons attached with it. Sometimes there could be multiple reasons to one’s pain while at other occasions treating one isolated body part can yield great results. It is very important thus not to treat pain as insignificant and consult one’s doctor on immediate basis. Certain pain management centers are also coming up in great numbers for people suffering with chronic pains. Such centers have multiple specializations, facilities and amenities and therefore one should choose a center that deals with particular chronic pain one suffers from. Studies reveal these centers have been of great help to patients of chronic pain due to customized approach and care.

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