5 Ways To Manage Chronic Pain
Pain has reached a chronic point when it has been ongoing, typically for more than six months, and can cause other related health issues. Chronic pain can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including mental health. Here are five ways your doctor may suggest you can manage your pain.
1. Medication
There are many available medication options to help treat different types of chronic pain. Some people find relief from the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, while others require prescription medicine. Depending on the type of pain, other medications have proven to be helpful, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants. A pain clinic St Augustine FL doctor can help you decide what medication may help with your pain.
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2. Physical Therapy
You may find relief from chronic pain with physical therapy, a process that aims to reduce pain, improve flexibility and reduce the need for surgery. A physical therapist can utilize a combination of exercise and healing treatments, including teaching the patient methods to use at home.
3. Surgery
Typically, doctors will try to seek out other avenues of healing before sending you for surgery due to the higher risk and potentially long recovery times associated. For some types of chronic pain, such as pain stemming from an injury or pain that isn’t helped by other treatments, surgery may be a higher priority.
4. Counseling
Chronic pain commonly leads to feelings of depression and anxiety stemming from regularly feeling ill. It is normal to feel emotionally stressed when living with chronic pain, and therapy or counseling with a mental health professional can be vital.
5. Alternative Treatment
On top of your treatment plan with your doctor, you may find supplementary therapies such as massage and acupuncture to be beneficial. Alternative treatment can help reduce pain and inflammation, as well as the stress of having a chronic condition.
Chronic pain does not have to rule your life. There are treatment options available for all types of pain, so speaking with a medical professional can help you decide what may work for you.
