The use of opioid analgesics (narcotics) in the management of non-malignant pain has been a controversial issue for many doctors, with the usual reasons for concern: addiction, oversight by state medical boards, and criminal diversion of drugs. However, research has shown that addiction seldom occurs when these medications are used in chronic pain states.
Chronic Pain Treatment
Treatment for chronic pain is tailored to the characteristics -- cause, location, duration and type of pain, for example -- of your pain. Because of long-term side effects, over-the-counter pain relievers are usually not recommended. Alternative therapies such as electrical stimulation, acupuncture, meditation and psychotherapy to learn coping skills, stress management and relaxation are all helpful to people with chronic pain.
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See All 2 AnswersPain is the body’s warning system designed to alert the self to actual or potential damage to tissues. When you touch a hot stove, pain stimulates the body to pull away from that surface. Pain in a twisted ankle limits your ability to walk on that ankle until tissues are properly supported or healed. Pain is subjective, which means the experience is different for every person. The past experience with pain, emotional make-up, type of injury, and even social stressors or support affect the amount of discomfort each person experiences. It is important to share as much information with your doctor related to your pain experience as possible.
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts over six months in duration. Chronic pain outlasts the positive function of pain. For some patients the source of the original pain has been removed, while others have permanent damage that cannot be healed. In either case, combinations of different therapies can often be found to reduce suffering to more tolerable levels. Pain management doctors or clinics should assess your pain carefully to determine the cause and then offer potential treatments. Treatment should include non-drug approaches to relief.
Medication combinations including opiates, anti-inflammatories, steroids, anti-depressants (depression), anxiolytics (anxiety), antiarrhythmics (heart arrhythmia), and anticonvulsants (seizure) can help provide relief for complex pain. Diet and hot and/or cold applications can provide pain relief. Exercise can be hard to start with significant pain, but there are many exercise programs for chronic pain sufferers. Yoga, Feldenkrais, and programs for arthritic patients allow for limitations caused by pain. Many find relief with warm water therapy pool exercises. Keeping joints mobile and strong can improve function and reduce pain.
Alternative therapies such as electrical stimulation, acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, cogitative behavior to learn coping skills, stress management, relaxation, biofeedback, and self-hypnosis are all helpful to people with chronic pain. The ability to learn to live with chronic pain takes time and practice. There is no magic key or instant relief. Believe in yourself and keep working to find comfort in an uncomfortable world. Good luck.
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There are a few things you can do to make your trigger point injection procedure go better:- Medication changes. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners (Coumadin), before the procedure. Be sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.
- Medication list. On the day of the procedure, bring a list of all your current medications to the appointment. This includes over-the-counter medications and vitamins.
- X-rays or other images. Bring these on the day of the procedure as well.
- Medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor about any history of allergic reaction to medications.
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Intermountain Healthcare answeredTrigger point injections have been found to be very effective in relieving pain, especially when combined with exercise and medication. For many patients, the pain will go away and not return. For some, the pain will decrease but not go away entirely. In this case, your doctor may recommend another injection. -
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This is what happens after a trigger point injection procedure:
- You will be monitored in the doctor's office for up to 20 minutes after the procedure. This allows the doctor to make sure you don't have reactions to the medication.
- You may feel numb in your arms or legs for about an hour after the procedure. You may also get a bruise at the site of the injection.
- You may feel sore around the area for a day or two. Your doctor may recommend that you put ice on the area for short periods throughout the next few days.
- If the injection is into an arm or leg, you will not be allowed to drive. Someone else will need to drive you home.
- In the first day after the procedure, it's important to stretch the treated area. Ask your doctor for stretching exercises that will help you heal.
- Aside from the stretching exercises, you should relax for the first few days after the procedure. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy.
- Be sure to follow up with your doctor to see how you're responding to the injection and to make any changes to your rehabilitation program.
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No, that is where advanced pain options such as spinal cord stimulation and intrathecal pain pumps may allow better pain control then systemic pain medications. Integrative medical options and lifestyle changes may also allow one to recover and return to a better quality of life. -
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See All 2 AnswersTaking your medication as directed is an important part of your chronic pain management. But it's not a good idea to rely on medication alone to manage your pain. Your doctor will work with you to choose other strategies to try as well. Examples include:
- Relaxation. This can include meditation, deep breathing, listening to music, or other strategies.
- Physical or occupational therapy. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for these therapies. Physical therapy can reduce pain and help you regain movement and strength. Occupational therapy can give you strategies to live better despite a certain amount of pain.
- Exercise, healthy eating, and other lifestyle changes. Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes that can reduce your pain over time.
- Medical procedures, such as injections or surgery. Depending on your condition, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for evaluation.
- Emotional or spiritual support. Talking with a counselor, friend, or support group can help you manage pain.
- Psychological counseling. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist to build coping skills and deal with issues that can be caused by pain.
- Alternative therapies. For some pain conditions, alternative therapies such as acupuncture can be helpful. If you try any of these therapies on your own, be sure to keep your doctor informed.
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Riverside Center for Neurosciences answeredArachnoiditis remains a difficult condition to treat, and long-term outcomes are unpredictable. Most treatments for arachnoiditis focus on pain relief and the improvement of symptoms that impair daily function. A regimen of pain management, physiotherapy, exercise, and psychotherapy is often recommended. Surgical intervention is controversial since the outcomes are generally poor and provide only short-term relief. Clinical trials of steroid injections and electrical stimulation are needed to determine the efficacy of these treatments.
This answer is based on source information from National Institute of Neurological Disorders.
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Discovery Health answeredBegun in India in 1995, laughter yoga incorporates the relaxation, meditation and stretching techniques of yoga with breathing exercises and playful laughter. It now exists in more than 50 countries and is used to relieve temporarily the chronic pain of conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.