Pain Treatment
If an injury has healed, and there is no more reason for pain but you still hurt, you have chronic pain. It can persist for an extended time (which is why it's called chronic). Chronic pain can cause both psychological and physical distress. Even though the injury has healed, the pain may signal other muscles to compensate and tense.
Fatigue, depression and anger are common. You may need to get help at a facility that specializes in chronic pain. Physical and occupational therapy may help. Sometimes electrical stimulation can help, or a change in medication. Hypnosis can also be an effective part of chronic pain management.
Recently Answered
- Q When should I give pain medicine to my child after lower spine surgery?
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After lower spine surgery, give your child pain medicine as your doctor ordered it. NEVER give your child pain medicine on an empty stomach. Food or drink will decrease the chance of nausea. Your child's need for pain medicine will decrease after... Full Answer
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- Q How long should I exercise for pain management?
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You can begin with as little as five minutes a day and work your way up towards a goal of at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity. You don’t have to do it all at once, so you can pace yourself and do a little at a time. Increase each day... Full Answer
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- Q What guidelines should I follow when taking pain medications?
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If you are taking pain medications, follow these instructions: Don't take more pain medication -- or take it more often -- than prescribed. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you're not alert. Don't drink... Full Answer
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- Q What are the risks of spinal and epidural anesthesia?
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Spinal and Epidural anesthesia are very safe and effective means of controlling pain both during and after surgery. The main risks are the following: Anytime you break through the skin's natural protective layer, there is an increased risk of... Full Answer
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- Q Why might I need prescription pain medication after having a baby?
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Prescription pain medication not only makes you more comfortable, but it helps you heal and recover. As you heal and recover, you can take better care of your baby and yourself. Your doctor may prescribe a strong pain medication if you have had: a... Full Answer
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- Q What is percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS)?
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Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy uses acupuncture-like needle probes in the soft tissues to stimulate peripheral sensory nerves. PENS may be preferred over TENS in that it delivers the electrical stimulus in closer proximity to... Full Answer
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- Q How does ultrasound and TENS work to ease pain?
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Your physical therapist may use alternative therapies such as ultrasound, TENS, and PENs to help ease pain. Ultrasound uses sound waves to help soothe painful muscles and tendons. It can be used to treat acute injuries to soft tissues or to treat... Full Answer
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- Q What are the benefits of intrathecal drug delivery?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOral medication to relieve lower back pain must travel through the gut and blood stream, with similar concentrations throughout the body. A concentration high enough to relieve pain can also cause side effects. Delivering the drug straight into the... Full Answer
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- Q Who is a candidate for intrathecal drug delivery?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThere is some evidence that the best candidates are those who experience relief of lower back pain from oral opioids but cannot tolerate the side effects of these drugs. Intrathecal drug delivery permits much smaller doses to be used, with fewer side... Full Answer
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- Q What is intrathecal drug delivery?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIntrathecal drug delivery is an implantable, programmable system for delivering painkillers into the spinal fluid via an implantable pump. It is usually only considered for lower back pain when all other therapies have failed and surgery is not an... Full Answer
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