Pain management is treating long-term or severe pain with different techniques. These include medication, a medical approach and alternative therapies. The first step to pain management is identifying your pain type. Your doctor will use this data to develop a treatment strategy tailored to your requirements.
Contents
Physical Therapy
Pain is a signal in your nervous system that something might be wrong, such as an injury or illness. It can be sharp or dull, and it may come and go. A physician specializing in pain management can help you treat different types of pain. Many effective treatment options include medication, physical therapy and alternative therapies like meditation, acupuncture, massage and biofeedback.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, early PT can lead to better results and less dependency on opioids. However, it would help if you always talked to your doctor before you start a new therapy. Then, you can find the right option for pain management Jacksonville FL. They can also advise you when trying a combination of treatments is best. It can help you minimize side effects.
Medications
Many pain medications can help with disease, injury or surgery symptoms. Some are taken orally, and others are delivered through patches, injections and pumps.
Medications for pain management can include over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen, antidepressants, serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors or gabapentin. They can also combine these or stronger opioids for chronic pain.
The medical team may begin treating neuropathic pain (pain brought on by nerve injury) with tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin and noradrenaline receptor agonists. These are often more effective than the weaker opioids. Other medications that may be used to treat neuropathic pain include topical lidocaine or tramadol. Talk to your doctor about all the options available for your pain. Aside from medication, a multidisciplinary approach to managing pain may include physical therapy, alternative therapies or counseling.
Medical Approach
A thorough medical evaluation is important to identify the cause of pain. It will involve taking a detailed history and conducting tests.
A pain management specialist may recommend certain medications based on the type of pain and your individual needs. It may include non-opioid oral analgesics for daily and breakthrough pain, neuropathic drugs to decrease nerve pain signals to the brain, or antidepressants for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia.
In addition to medication, a pain management doctor can also use interventional techniques (like injections) and alternative therapies. Psychiatric care and counseling can also help improve your ability to cope with the pain. You can learn stretching and strengthening exercises from a physical therapist who can advise pain management. Other types of therapy may include massage, acupuncture and meditation.
Alternative Therapies
Pain medications are an essential part of treating some kinds of pain. These can range from over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and NSAIDs to stronger pain relievers like opioids. A physician specializing in pain management can recommend the best medicine for your situation. Over-the-counter painkillers are effective for short-term pain, such as periods or headaches. Chronic pain usually lasts longer than three months and is caused by a health condition like arthritis or lower back problems. Pain specialists can treat chronic pain with medication, physical therapy and alternative therapies. Mind-body therapies, such as acupuncture and therapeutic touch, ease some kinds of pain. Certain herbal remedies, such as white willow bark, cat’s claw, and ginger, have shown promise in alleviating pain, although more research is needed.
Behavioral Therapy
A physician specializing in pain management can also help you cope with chronic pain’s emotional and psychological effects. A psychologist may teach you stress-reduction techniques such as meditation and yoga. A doctor will diagnose your type of pain using medical records and X-rays. They will ask you about your symptoms and what makes the pain feel better or worse. They may also give you a physical exam. Nociceptive pain occurs when your nociceptors detect damage to body tissues, like a cut or an illness. It often feels sharp or throbbing.
Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage, which can feel burning or shooting. It can also affect your sensitivity to cold or heat. People with neuropathic pain often develop anxiety and depression.
