Treatment options for chronic pain can vary depending on the underlying cause and the individual’s needs and preferences. The main goal of treatment is to reduce pain and boost mobility. This helps you return to your daily activities without discomfort.
The severity and frequency of chronic pain can differ among individuals. So doctors create pain management plans that are specific to each person. Medical treatments, lifestyle remedies, or a combination of these methods may be used to treat your chronic pain. Here are some of the most common treatment options for chronic pain:
Medications for chronic pain
Several types of medications are available that can help treat chronic pain. Here are a few examples:
- over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin (Bufferin) or ibuprofen (Advil).
- opioid pain relievers, including morphine (MS Contin), codeine, and hydrocodone (Tussigon)
- adjuvant analgesics, such as antidepressants and anticonvulsants
Medical procedures for chronic pain
Certain medical procedures can also provide relief from chronic pain. An example of a few are:
- electrical stimulation, which reduces pain by sending mild electric shocks into your muscles
- nerve block, which is an injection that prevents nerves from sending pain signals to your brain
- acupuncture, which involves lightly pricking your skin with needles to alleviate pain
- surgery, which corrects injuries that may have healed improperly and that may be contributing to the pain
Lifestyle and other remedies for chronic pain
Additionally, various lifestyle remedies are available to help ease chronic pain. Examples include:
- physical therapy
- tai chi
- yoga
- art and music therapy
- pet therapy
- psychotherapy
- massage
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- meditation
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals manage chronic pain by changing the way they think and feel about their pain
Dealing with chronic pain
There isn’t a cure for chronic pain, but the condition can be managed successfully. It’s important to stick to your pain management plan to help relieve symptoms.
Physical pain is related to emotional pain, so chronic pain can increase your stress levels. Building emotional skills can help you cope with any stress related to your condition. Here are some steps you can take to reduce stress:
Take good care of your body: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can keep your body healthy and reduce feelings of stress.
Continue taking part in your daily activities: You can boost your mood and decrease stress by participating in activities you enjoy and socializing with friends. Chronic pain may make it challenging to perform certain tasks. But isolating yourself can give you a more negative outlook on your condition and increase your sensitivity to pain.
Seek support: Friends, family, and support groups can lend you a helping hand and offer comfort during difficult times. Whether you’re having trouble with daily tasks or you’re simply in need of an emotional boost, a close friend or loved one can provide the support you need.
It’s worth noting that, the best treatment option for chronic pain will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. Additionally, it is important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan, as it is often a multidisciplinary approach that combines several methods that works best.