WHAT IS THE MEANING OF PAIN?
Pain is nervous system signals that something is wrong. An unpleasant sensation, such as tingling, burn, sting, prick, or ache. Pain can be sharp or dull. It can come and go, and it can be constant. The pain may be felt in one part of the body, such as the back, stomach, chest, or pelvis, or it may be felt all over the body.
Types of pain are :
Acute pain
Acute pain is usually sudden and caused by disease, injury, or inflammation. Diagnosis and treatment are often possible. It usually goes away, but it can also become chronic pain.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain can last a long time and cause serious problems.
WHAT ARE PAIN RELIEVERS?
Analgesics are drugs that relieve or lessen pain. There are many different pain relievers, each with benefits and risks. Some are over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Others are stronger drugs available by prescription. The strongest prescription pain relievers are opioids. Although they are highly effective, people who take them run the risk of addiction and overdose.
Pain relievers have side effects and risks, so nonpharmacologic therapies should be tried first. Also, if you need to take medication, you may be able to take a smaller dose if you are on non-drug therapy.
WHAT NON-DRUG PAIN TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are many non-pharmacological treatments to relieve pain. It’s important to check with your doctor before trying any of these.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a process of stimulating acupuncture points. These are specific points on your body. There are various methods of acupuncture. A fine needle is most commonly inserted through the skin. Others include the use of pressure, electrical stimulation, and heat. Acupuncture is based on the belief that qi (important energy) flows through the body along pathways called meridians. Practitioners believe that by stimulating acupoints, qi can be rebalanced. Research suggests that acupuncture may help treat certain pain conditions.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback technology uses electronic devices to measure bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate. This will help you become more aware of your bodily functions and learn how to control them. For example, biofeedback devices can provide measurements of muscle tone. By looking at the changes in these measurements, you can become more aware of when your muscles are becoming tense and learn how to relax which helps you control pain.
Electrical stimulation
Electrical stimulation uses a device to send a gentle electrical current to nerves and muscles. It helps treat pain by interrupting or blocking pain signals. Includes the following type :
- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS)
- Implanted electrical nerve stimulation
- Deep brain or spinal cord stimulation
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is a treatment that involves kneading, rubbing, tapping, and caressing the soft tissues of the body. Among other benefits, it helps people relax and reduce stress and pain.
Meditation is the mind-body practice of bringing your attention to something like an object, word, sentence, or breath. This helps minimize distractions and stressful thoughts and emotions.
Physical therapy
Physiotherapy uses techniques such as heat, cold, movement, massage, and manipulation. Helps control pain, tone muscles and restore strength.
For quality pain management visit Specialty Care Clinics.