Chronic pain is a type of pain that lasts for a long time. Many different things, such can cause it. Some people may only have occasional episodes of chronic pain, while others may have it every day.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how someone gets chronic pain, as the cause can vary from person to person. However, some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:
- Injury:A back injury, car accident, or surgery can lead to chronic pain.
- Illness:Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and other diseases can cause long-term pain.
- Stress:When someone gets stressed out for a long time, it can lead to tension headaches or chronic muscle pain.
There are many different ways to treat chronic pain, and the best approach for one person may not work for another. However, it doesn’t mean you cannot try and see what works. Here are some of the most common treatments for chronic pain.
Medication
Many different types of medication can treat chronic pain. Some of the most common drugs include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and opioids.
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps reduce inflammation and pain. It is available over the counter and can be used to treat several conditions, including chronic pain. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that can be bought over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. It helps relieve pain and fever. Meanwhile, opioids are narcotic pain relievers that can help relieve moderate to severe pain. They are available by prescription only.
Each person’s experience with chronic pain will be different, so it is vital to work with a doctor to find the best medications for you. However, it might be better to note how much you can handle daily. Overdose of pain medication is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States.
Physical Therapy
If you’re living with chronic pain, physical therapy can help. A physical therapist can teach you exercises and stretches that can help relieve your pain. They may also use massage or other techniques to help relax your muscles.
In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. However, you can also see a physical therapist on your own. You may need to pay out of pocket for these services, but many insurance plans cover at least part of the cost.
Physical therapy works best when chronic pain stems from a sports injury or other physical problems. However, it may not be as effective if your pain is because of stress or another mental health condition.
Interventional Pain Management
Accurate diagnosis is vital in determining the root cause of chronic pain. This situation is why interventional pain management is so important. By using various techniques like imaging or nerve blocks, doctors can more accurately diagnose the source of a person’s pain. It can help them develop a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the pain.
The process starts with a consultation and reviewing of the person’s medical history. After that, the doctor will do a physical examination and order any tests needed. Once the test results are in, the doctor will develop a treatment plan. This plan may include one or more of the following:
- Nerve Blocks:A nerve block is when a doctor numbs a specific nerve or group of nerves. It can help relieve pain by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain.
- Epidural Injections:Epidural injections are given directly into the spine. They can help relieve pain by reducing inflammation around the spinal cord and nerves.
- Facilitated Joint Injections:A facilitated joint injection is when a doctor injects medication directly into a joint to help relieve pain.
- Trigger Point Injections:Trigger point injections are when a doctor injects medication directly into a muscle to help relieve pain.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation:Spinal cord stimulation is when a doctor implants a device that sends electrical signals to the spinal cord. It can help relieve pain by blocking pain signals from reaching the brain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It can treat pain, but you can also use it for other conditions.
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points in the body. This stimulation can help release chemicals that help relieve pain. It can also help improve blood flow and promote relaxation.
There is some evidence that acupuncture can help relieve chronic pain. However, it is not clear how well it works. It may work better for some types of pain than others. Acupuncture is generally safe when done by a trained professional. However, there is a risk of infection and other complications. Make sure to ask your doctor if acupuncture is right for you.
Conclusion
There are many other practices and treatments for chronic pain. However, these are some of the most common and effective ones. If you’re living with chronic pain, talk to your doctor about which treatment options are best for you.
