Pain Management

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Pain Management: Ways To Manage Your Pain

 

Pain Medications

Medications can be used to reduce pain. Commonly prescribed pain medications include:

• analgesics (pain relievers and narcotic painkillers)
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

 

Pain medications serve to regain some level of comfort, but they do little to change the disease state. The amount of pain medication used must be controlled since there are known side effects.

 

Exercise

Exercise can help maintain function and lessen pain. People with arthritis should always discuss exercise plans with their doctor. Some exercises may be off-limits for people with a particular type of arthritis or when joints are swollen and inflamed.

 

Hydrotherapy / Warm Water Therapy

Warm water therapy can decrease pain and stiffness. Exercising in a pool, swim spa, or hot tub may be easier because water takes some weight off painful joints. Some also find relief from the heat and movement provided by warm water exercise.

 

Rest

Pain can also be an indicator of the need for rest. It is important to pay attention to the signal and allow the body the required time to recharge. Inflammation decreases during a restful phase, however too much stillness can lead to muscle weakness. It is essential to strike a balance between rest and exercise.

 

Massage

Massage therapy can hasten pain relief, soothe stiff sore muscles, and reduce inflammation and swelling. As muscle tension is relaxed and circulation is increased, pain is decreased.

 

TENS Units

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) utilises low-voltage electrical stimulation to the nerves to block pain signals to the brain. Electrodes are placed on the skin and emit the electrical charge. This is used primarily for chronic, localized pain which is intractable.

 

Heat and Cold Treatments

Heat and Cold treatments are effective for alleviating pain and stiffness due to arthritis. The heat treatments help to relax muscles and can be applied through moist heat (e.g. bath or hydro collator pack) or dry heat methods (heating pad or heat lamp). Cold treatments work by numbing the sore area and reducing inflammation, and are especially good for severe joint pain and swelling.

 

Tips for Heat & Cold Treatments

• Use for the appropriate time limit. Heat and cold treatments should be used only 15-20 minutes at a time.
• Avoid extreme temperatures. Take care to assure that your treatment is not too hot or too cold, and do not use treatments if your skin has open sores or cuts.
• Protect your skin. When using packs, always place a towel between the pack and your skin for protection. After each treatment, check the area and allow your skin to return to room temperature before using another treatment.
• Follow the advice of your professionals. As always, follow the advice of your doctor or physical therapist concerning the use of these treatments.

 

Managing Your Stress

Stress and fatigue increase pain, so stress management is an important component of pain management. While this includes relaxation strategies such as those discussed above, a complete stress management program involves more than relaxation. Stress management means looking at your schedule, planning your day, and setting your priorities. It means scheduling "appointments" with yourself for taking care of you. Getting a good night's sleep is also important for restoring your energy and spirits. Looking carefully at the activities you schedule for yourself and learning to say "no" to some requests for your time is important to do so you do not overload yourself.

Heat and Cold treatments are effective for alleviating pain and stiffness due to arthritis. The heat treatments help to relax muscles and can be applied through moist heat (e.g. bath or hydro collator pack) or dry heat methods (heating pad or heat lamp). Cold treatments work by numbing the sore area and reducing inflammation, and are especially good for severe joint pain and swelling.

 

Maintain a healthy weight:

Keeping a normal weight for your height eliminates the unnecessary load to your bones and muscles. Pressure points are decreased when you weigh less and maintain this weight over time. In this way, you prevent additional pain that weight may give upon your body.

 

Get a pet:

Some studies have revealed that owning a dog or a cat helps reduce stress. Part of pet therapy is helping people suffering from chronic pain like that found in fibromyalgia.  The emotional effect of companionship greatly contributes to fibromyalgia patients in a positive way. Studies have revealed that stress hormone cortisol and epinephrine are controlled at lower levels for those who own a pet. Blood pressure is retained to normal as well. Psychologically and emotionally helpful, pets can even aid patients with disabilities. The choice of pet is up to you, as long as the sense of well-being will be developed. The new companion would surely help you manage stress that the pain brings.