There are several different types of pain. There are acute pains, which are short-term and often go away on their own, and chronic pains, which are longer-term and not associated with an immediate onset. A patient may be experiencing chronic pain if it lasts more than two weeks or for several months, or it may be a result of a long-term health condition. There are a variety of ways to manage pain, including prescription drugs, physical therapy, and even regional anesthetics. However, you should also visit a pain management clinic near me.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs:
NSAIDs are nonsteroidal medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They are among the most common drugs prescribed for adults. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are commonly used to treat mild aches and pains, such as a headache or toothache. Prescription NSAIDs are effective in combating inflammation especially that caused by injury or arthritis, and can have a lasting anti-inflammatory effect for up to two weeks.
Physical therapy:
Aside from medication and surgery, physical therapy is an important part of the management of pain. It focuses on the cause of the problem and not simply on treating the symptoms. Exercise, for example, can help increase strength, mobility, and flexibility, as well as joint stability. Physical therapists show patients exercises that will reduce pain and improve their quality of life. Common exercises include walking, cycling, and weight training. Other techniques include deep tissue massage to improve blood flow to the muscles, as well as dry needling, which uses brain connections to reduce pain. Using heat or ice packs on the affected area can also help reduce pain.
To determine the cause of pain, physical therapists use various methods. These methods include sensory re-education and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Both techniques reduce pain signals from the body, while ultrasound increases blood flow to the area that causes pain. Each patient’s physical therapy session is unique, depending on the condition of pain. After an initial consultation, the physical therapist will examine the patient’s medical history and discuss pain management and rehabilitation options.
Regional anesthetics:
Although regional anesthesia can reduce pain during surgery, it is not without risks. Regional anesthesia can cause complications such as local anesthetic toxicity, neuraxial injury, or an allergic reaction. For these reasons, patients should only be given anesthetics when they are fully aware of their risks. Regional anesthesia can be done by a qualified anesthesiologist, but specific protocols must be followed to ensure a safe, comfortable experience for patients.
