Understanding Pain Management

Pain can be disruptive to your daily life. It interferes with your ability to function and enjoy time with your family and friends. So, when you are experiencing persistent pain, it is time to take a step back and listen to your body’s needs.

Most pain will go away with some medication and a little rest, but if that does not work, pain management is a viable option to treat and manage your pain long-term. Read on to learn more about different pain management strategies.

What is Pain Management?

With pain, there are many possible causes for it. The pain might result from surgeries, medical conditions, and injuries, among others. Whatever level of pain you suffer from – acute or chronic, mild or severe – pain management specialists can help you cope using various medications, methods, and therapies.

The cause and type of pain determines which treatment is appropriate. On the first visit, your doctor will perform a thorough assessment to find out what all is causing your pain.

Upon assessing the location and severity of pain, a personalized pain management program is designed to meet your needs. Not only will pain management reduce your suffering, but it can also restore full function and improve your overall health.

What are the Types of Pain Management?

Just as there are different causes of pain, there are also different pain management techniques. Your doctor may recommend just one or a combination of the following pain management methods:

Home Remedies

It is possible to relieve pain in the comforts of your own home. Hot and cold treatments are often used to reduce stiffness and pain.

Your pain management specialist will teach you how to effectively perform the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) method. While resting, apply ice on the affected area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Meanwhile, heat therapy (such as a warm bath) is effective for treating moderate to severe pain.

Therapy and Exercise

Due to the emotional and mental distress that pain can cause, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage pain. Through this process, you will learn how to manage your emotions and regulate your reactions to physical discomfort. Counseling, psychotherapy, and meditation can also help prevent the onset of depression and anxiety.

Physical therapy and exercise can help increase mobility, decrease inflammation, and improve overall well-being.

Engaging in physical activity helps reduce stress and releases endorphins into your body, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Frequent physical activity also promotes proper body mechanics and strengthens your muscles to help you avoid future injuries and reduce pain risks.

It is best to pair these pain management techniques with lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress may also help reduce chronic pain.

Medication and Drugs

Depending on the level of pain you encounter, your pain management specialist may prescribe medications to help relieve discomfort. You may need to take antibiotics to treat an infection or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Your doctor might prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild pain or narcotics for debilitating pain.

Of course, there are always risks when taking medications. Some drugs, such as opioids, can be habit-forming. Be sure to follow your physician’s instructions exactly and be transparent about any side effects you encounter.

Hands-On Treatments

Pain relief may come in the form of hands-on treatments such as massages, chiropractic adjustments, and acupuncture.

Massages are best suited for soft tissue injuries and stress relief. A massage therapist can help you loosen tight muscles and reduce soreness. Massages also help facilitate blood flow and improve organ function.

Finally, if you experience neck and back pain, chiropractic care may be the best option for you. Chiropractic adjustments improve alignment of the spine and reduce spinal pain.

What Does Pain Management Treat?

Anyone suffering from any type of pain can benefit from pain management. These techniques are effective for both short- and long-term pain and can even help you manage stress.

Some of the most common conditions that cause pain are:

• Arthritis
• Muscle and joint injuries
• Autoimmune disorders
• Back pain and injuries
• Chronic pain disorders
• Endometriosis
• Kidney stones
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

Pain Management in St. Peters, Wentzville & O’Fallon, MO

Is your pain getting in the way of daily life, and are over-the-counter (OTC) medications not helping? There are plenty of safe and effective treatments available to you. You do not have to live with the suffering. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can improve your quality of life and have minimal pain.

Our pain management doctors at Advanced Bone & Joint can offer a personalized plan built around your needs and goals. We are eager to work collaboratively with patients to bring relief and help them return to a normal, productive lifestyle.

To schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff at (636) 229-4222 or fill out an appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!