Simple Chronic Pain Management Methods that Actually Work

Chronic pain is usually pain that lasts for three or more months consecutively and is not relieved by surgical or medical care. The most common chronic pain causes are some type of disease or tissue injury. Pain provides a warning sign that something is not completely right with the body. With severe or chronic pain that does not go away with medications, it is always better to seek immediate medical attention. Certain examples of chronic pain could be:

• Painful neurological disorders that result from nerve damage
• Failed back surgery that may have resulted in nerve damage
• Complex regional pain syndrome that develops in the hand or foot after injuries like broken bones
• Leg or back pain as a result of spinal diseases

Causes Of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be developed by anyone, although, it is more common in people with certain medical conditions such as back issues, arthritis, or diabetes, mostly in adults. Persistent pain is not at all good for the body, and if such is the case, then immediate medical attention should be sought. While it might not be possible to prevent chronic pain in all cases, aggressive treatments can help in reducing the odds of having severe or sudden pain being converted into chronic pain. Here are some of the causes of chronic pain:

• Stomach Ulcers
• Spinal Injury
• Nerve Damage or Inflammation
• Anxiety or Mood Disorders
• Headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Cancer
• Back Injury
• Arthritis

Here are a few ways in which you can manage your chronic pain:

Chronic pain management at home

Chronic pain can be reduced with the help of getting a sufficient amount of sleep and exercising on a daily basis. It can make you feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Make use of home treatment for mild or moderate pain. You might not know what to do or where to start. The first step is to identify the cause of your chronic pain. The next step is to find ways to manage it on your own, without relying on medication. There are many different strategies that you can try out, such as:

• Physical Activity
• Complementary Therapies
• Mindfulness Techniques
• Acupuncture

Chronic pain medication management

Over-the-counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can greatly help. Drugs for pain management are usually classified into two groups: non-opioid and opioid.

• Non-opioid drugs are often used for mild to moderate pain, while opioid drugs are used for more severe pain. Non-opioid drugs can be used as the first line of treatment, but they have their own drawbacks. They take longer to work, can cause constipation, and may not be as effective in the long term.
• Opioids are also not without side effects, but they work faster and can be taken on an as-needed basis.

Massage therapy and yoga for chronic pain management

Complementary therapies such as yoga and massage alongside can also prove to be quite effective. Massage therapy is an ancient form of healing that has been practiced for centuries. It is a form of bodywork that involves the manipulation of soft tissues to relieve pain and improve overall health. Yoga, on the other hand, is a mind-body practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga postures are used to stretch and strengthen muscles while calming the mind and focusing on breathing techniques.

See a chronic pain management doctor near you

If the pain gets out of hand, then you should always have a word with your doctor. They may then prescribe you different treatment options that can work for you. It is important that a clear and proper treatment plan is made for you with the help of your doctor. The best plan might be inclusive of many treatments. It is not easy to live with chronic pain. And if it gets too much for you, then you can also consider getting counseling. This can greatly help in dealing with fear, depression, anxiety, anger, and frustration.

Chronic pain can best be managed with the help of bringing a certain amount of change in your daily life and making sure that you do not indulge in activities that might cause your pain to become worse. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, the best thing to do is to contact your family doctor immediately.  Your physician would be able to assess your symptoms properly and help identify the source of your chronic pain.

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