Pain management is the field of medicine devoted to reducing the physical and psychological effects of acute or chronic pain.
There are many different ways to reduce pain, but some techniques are more effective than others depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing, as well as other factors like your age and medical history.
Here are some common forms of pain management and their uses so you can make an educated decision about which treatment options are best for you.
1) Over-the-counter medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common form of pain management, and they can be found over-the-counter at most pharmacies. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, hormones that contribute to inflammation and pain in the body. The most common NSAID is aspirin, and it’s used for headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps and other mild pains.
2) Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be a great option for managing pain. Depending on the severity and type of injury, physical therapy can include a variety of treatments including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities such as heat or cold. These treatments will vary depending on the person’s injury and their specific needs.
3) Massage therapy
Massage therapy is one form of pain management that has been around for centuries and continues to provide benefits today. Research has shown that massage therapy can reduce muscle pain, improve range of motion, and decrease anxiety and depression.
4) Muscle relaxants
Muscle relaxants are used to relieve pain and muscle spasms. They work by blocking nerve impulses that travel from the brain to muscles, which causes relaxation in the muscles. These drugs can be taken as a pill or injected into a vein for more potent effects. When not used appropriately, these drugs can cause drowsiness or dizziness.
5) Epidural Injections
Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are used for delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medicine rapidly and directly into area outside of the fluid sac around your spinal cord. This area is typically called epidural space. This injection must be very precise, and hence, you must visit only a highly experienced and certified pain management doctor.
6) Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is growing in popularity. Stem cells are found in bone marrow, so they have the ability to regenerate new cells and tissue. During stem cell therapy, stem cells can be injected into an injured area to help repair damaged tissue or stimulate healing by releasing growth factors that promote tissue regeneration.
7) PRP Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PR) Therapy is another highly effective pain management treatment option. It involves injecting plasma concentrated wit platelets taken from the patient’s own blood to repair the damaged tendon or cartilage. It not only helps with relieving pain but also helps with speeding up the healing process.
Conclusion
Massage therapy is a great treatment for pain management. It’s relatively cheap and accessible, and has very few side effects. If you are experiencing pain from your ailments, massages are an excellent way to improve general health while simultaneously managing your symptoms.
