Chronic pain can take a physical and emotional toll on a person, especially if the pain is caused by an invisible illness that is not easily visible to the general public. There are several chronic pain treatments available, and the patient will often have to experiment until finding a combination that provides the best emotional and physical relief. Common chronic pain treatments include lifestyle changes, psychological therapy, and the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications.
The first step in treating chronic pain is to find out what is causing the pain. In some cases, it may take multiple trips to a variety of doctors to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, the pain may be eased when the originating cause is properly treated. Unfortunately, some medical conditions are known to cause chronic pain that may necessitate permanent pain management techniques.
Over-the-counter or prescription medications are among the most commonly used chronic pain treatments. In some cases, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help to ease the pain enough to allow the patient to live a productive life. In other cases, prescription pain relievers may be required. If the chronic pain is caused due to disorders that cause frequent muscle spasms, muscle relaxants may be prescribed. Medications that are typically used to treat seizure disorders may be used as chronic pain treatments in those who experience pain related to nerve damage.
Rest and exercise are often helpful chronic pain treatments. Anyone who suffers from chronic pain realizes how physically and mentally exhausting it can be to try to function normally through the pain. Adequate rest and plenty of sleep can often lessen the severity of the pain. Mild exercise can keep the muscles of the body healthy and may lessen the frequency of muscle spasms. A physical therapist can often help to devise an exercise program that will not add to the pain already experienced by the patient.
Counseling or other types of psychological therapy can be beneficial chronic pain treatments. Depression and feelings of worthlessness are common among those who have trouble finding breaks from the pain. This constant pain often leads to anger and relationship troubles as well. Individual therapy is typically recommended in the beginning, although some people may benefit from family counseling so that both the patient and caregiver can learn to effectively cope with the various emotional issues associated with chronic pain.