What are the Options for Chronic Pain Management?

Millions of people cope with chronic pain and inflammation caused by illness, injury, and aging. Physician-guided chronic pain management can help patients deal with this pain. The options for managing pain on a continual basis include conventional medical techniques such as surgery, medication, chiropractic care, and physical therapy. Pain patients also may turn to regular exercise, massage, electro-muscular stimulation, and a wide variety of natural remedies.

Pain that is chronic can be helped with the support of a traditional physician’s care in the form of medication and surgery. There are many medications such as steroid injections and non-addictive pain killers that can alleviate the pain with carefully managed use. Medication is a solution for chronic painful conditions such as back injuries, fibromyalgia, lupus, and arthritis. Sometimes, chronic pain is caused by damaged or stressed cartilage in the joints and spine. When this is the case, surgery can provide relief and help with chronic pain management.

There are also promising results available in chronic pain management from less traditional forms of medicine. These treatments include massage and heat therapy, chiropractic care, and electro-muscular stimulation. When used in tandem, these services can provide temporary to long-term relief from chronic pain caused by misaligned spines and injuries to the back and extremities. It’s not known exactly how they work, but many people believe that with manipulation of the muscle tissues and bones, blood flow allows natural pain-relieving chemicals to enter trouble areas to reduce levels of pain.

Sometimes the only way to provide chronic pain management is through regular sessions with a physical therapist. These specialists are medically trained to treat the structure of the body to provide long-term pain management when other methods fail. This is especially important following surgery, an accident, or injury when bones and joints need healing. Physical therapy can be conducted in a clinical setting or in the home environment to successfully manage painful conditions and create a better quality of life for patients.

There also are a variety of natural cures for pain that range from herbal supplements to acupuncture. Depending on the condition that’s causing the pain, treatments can be designed by a skilled holistic practitioner who may provide some relief. While natural forms of chronic pain management can be helpful, it is wise to consult with an physician before ingesting any herbal products to make sure that there are no interactions or harmful side effects.