Pain Management Clinic
Contents
What do you mean by pain management?
This article is about pain management across medicine. For cancer-related pain management specifically, see Cancer pain,
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Names |
Physician |
| Occupation type | Specialty |
| Activity sectors | Medicine |
| Description | |
| Education required |
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| Fields of employment | Hospitals, Clinics |
Pain management is an aspect of medicine and health care involving relief of pain ( pain relief, analgesia, pain control ) in various dimensions, from acute and simple to chronic and challenging. Most physicians and other health professionals provide some pain control in the normal course of their practice, and for the more complex instances of pain, they also call on additional help from a specific medical specialty devoted to pain, which is called pain medicine,
Pain management often uses a multidisciplinary approach for easing the suffering and improving the quality of life of anyone experiencing pain, whether acute pain or chronic pain, Relief of pain in general (analgesia) is often an acute affair, whereas managing chronic pain requires additional dimensions.
A typical multidisciplinary pain management team may include: medical practitioners, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, physician assistants, nurses, and dentists, The team may also include other mental health specialists and massage therapists,
- Pain sometimes resolves quickly once the underlying trauma or pathology has healed, and is treated by one practitioner, with drugs such as pain relievers ( analgesics ) and occasionally also anxiolytics,
- Effective management of chronic (long-term) pain, however, frequently requires the coordinated efforts of the pain management team.
Effective pain management does not always mean total eradication of all pain. Rather, it often means achieving adequate quality of life in the presence of pain, through any combination of lessening the pain and/or better understanding it and being able to live happily despite it.
- Medicine treats injuries and diseases to support and speed healing.
- It treats distressing symptoms such as pain and discomfort to reduce any suffering during treatment, healing, and dying,
- The task of medicine is to relieve suffering under three circumstances.
- The first is when a painful injury or pathology is resistant to treatment and persists.
The second is when pain persists after the injury or pathology has healed. Finally, the third circumstance is when medical science cannot identify the cause of pain. Treatment approaches to chronic pain include pharmacological measures, such as analgesics (pain killer drugs), antidepressants, and anticonvulsants ; interventional procedures, physical therapy, physical exercise, application of ice or heat; and psychological measures, such as biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy,
What painkiller is safe to take long-term?
What Is the Safest Non-Prescription Painkiller for Long-Term Use? Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers offer short-term pain relief for common concerns such as toothaches, muscle stiffness, headaches, and arthritis pain. For many of these conditions, they can be as effective as prescription painkillers.
- It all depends on what you are taking them for — different types of OTC drugs work better with different kinds of pain.
- Common OTC painkillers include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
- Equally common are fever-relieving OTC painkillers like acetaminophen.
Here’s what you need to know about these options. Are NSAIDs effective pain relievers? NSAIDs are the most commonly used OTCs. They include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin and Alka-Seltzer). These drugs relieve inflammation but don’t contain steroids.
Ibuprofen is short acting. Naproxen is long acting and more likely to cause an upset stomach. Both OTC drugs block communication between the cells involved in pain transmission and inflammation, thereby reducing both at the same time. Many people with chronic pain can manage it without serious discomfort by taking NSAIDs.
These OTC medications are especially effective at reducing painful swelling and inflammation. NSAIDs can also relieve headaches, dental pain, period pain, muscle and joint pain, back pain, and bone pain. In fact, ibuprofen and naproxen can be more even more effective than opioid painkillers at relieving dental pain associated with abscessed gums.
- On the other hand, researchers have found that opioid painkillers can delay wound healing or prevent wounds from healing altogether.
- Furthermore, NSAIDs can help with the healing of fractures, sprains and ruptured tendons.
- In a published at ABC Health & Well Being, Dr.
- Norman Swan explained that “one complication of hip replacement surgery is abnormal growth of bone around the joint.
NSAIDs such as naproxen are good at inhibiting this bone growth.” Naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil) are both available at higher doses, but they must be prescribed by your doctor. If an OTC NSAID isn’t helping, stop taking it and see your physician.
- You might need something stronger.
- What about acetaminophen? Also known as paracetamol, this OTC medication relives pain and reduces fever, but it doesn’t treat inflammation.
- That can be easily corrected by combining acetaminophen with an NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Some formulations also contain caffeine.
What are the side effects of OTC painkillers? When used properly, the side effects of OTC painkillers are mild or nonexistent. The most common side effect is upset stomach and indigestion. Serious side effects are unusual. They include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and gastritis.
- People with alcohol abuse issues, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease or who are taking aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke should avoid acetaminophen.
- As with any medication, it’s best to take as little as possible only when needed for as long as needed.
- It’s easier to increase the dose later than to reduce it.
Acetaminophen is considered the safest OTC painkiller for long-term use because it’s thought to have fewer side effects than the other options. Nevertheless, people respond differently to different medications. If the first one doesn’t help, work with your doctor to find one that does.
A word on prescription painkillers According to the, opioid prescription drugs like oxycodone, morphine and hydrocodone can “make people feel very relaxed and “high” – which is why they are sometimes used for non-medical reasons. This can be dangerous because opioids can be highly addictive, and overdoses and death are common.” If you develop an opioid addiction, you will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and persistent cravings if you suddenly reduce or stop taking the drug.
The longer you take opioid painkillers, the more likely you are to develop a habit. If you want pain relief that’s not addictive, you can find it at your local pharmacy, and you won’t need a prescription to get it. Many OTC medications have been around forever and are safe and effective overall when used as directed.
What is the most common treatment for chronic pain?
The pain management rehab program – A pain management rehab program is designed to meet your needs. The program will depend on the specific type of pain, disease, or condition. Active involvement by you and your family is vital to the success of the program.
Medical management of chronic pain, including medicine management:
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or acetaminophen. Prescription pain medicines, including opioids, may be needed to provide stronger pain relief than aspirin. However, these drugs are reserved for more severe types of pain, as they have some potential for abuse and may have unpleasant and potentially very dangerous side effects. Prescription antidepressants can help some people. These medicines increase the supply of the naturally produced neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin is an important part of a pain-controlling pathway in the brain.
Heat and cold treatments to reduce the stiffness and pain, especially with joint problems such as arthritis Physical and occupational therapy such as massage and whirlpool treatments Exercise to reduce spasticity, joint contractures, joint inflammation, spinal alignment problems, or muscle weakening and shrinking to prevent further problems Local involving application(s) of brief pulses of electricity to nerve endings under the skin to provide pain relief Injection therapies, such as epidural steroid injection Emotional and psychological support for pain, which may include the following:
Psychotherapy and group therapy Stress management Relaxation training Meditation Hypnosis Biofeedback Behavior changes
The philosophy common to all of these varied psychological approaches is the belief that you can do something on your own to control pain. This includes changing your attitudes, the perception of being a victim, feelings, or behaviors associated with pain, or understanding how unconscious forces and past events have contributed to pain.
Patient and family education and counseling Alternative medicine and therapy treatments, as appropriate
In addition, treatment may include:
Surgery. Surgery may be considered for chronic pain. Surgery can bring release from pain, but may also destroy other sensations as well, or become the source of new pain. Relief is not necessarily permanent, and pain may return. There is a variety of operations to relieve pain. Consult your doctor or more information. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a 2000-year-old Chinese technique of inserting fine needles under the skin at selected points in the body, and has shown some promise in the treatment of chronic pain. Needles are manipulated by the practitioner to produce pain relief.
: Chronic Pain
Why do people need pain management?
What are the Effects of Pain Management? – An effective pain management treatment regime will provide pain relief along with the ability to regain range of motion and mobility. Other effects include:
Less stress: The blood pressure rises leading to a state of distress in the body. This results in high stress during a bout of pain. Stress can be reduced with the help of a proper pain management treatment plan. Along with some discomfort, you may work to regain range of motion and increase mobility. This would help you engage in more physical activity making you feel better. Sometimes, the mere act of being mobile can alleviate much of the stress associated with an injury. It is important to engage in any physical activity to reduce pain and related stress. Controlled Comfort: Proper pain management techniques help in controlling pain and providing comfort. Pain management specialists would advise returning to various activities at a gradual pace causing healing of pain. You will eventually notice the difference in pain levels without feeling uncomfortable. Control is the key to pain management for many patients. Improved quality of life: Pain management is the key to good quality of life. Managing pain can reduce stress, blood pressure, and heart rate, and positively affect healing. Pain involves cognitive, motivational, affective, behavioral, and physical components impacting the quality of life. Pain management may provide relief from anxiety and emotional distress, enhance well-being, induces functional capacity, and gives the ability to fulfill family, social, and vocational roles.
Why is pain management good?
Who needs pain management? – Anyone with pain can benefit from a pain management plan. A comprehensive plan can help people manage pain that lasts a few days (such as after an injury or surgery). It can also help people who have long-term pain from disease or chronic health conditions.
Arthritis and muscle and joint injuries: Several types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and gout, cause severe pain in the joints. Orthopedic injuries (such as frozen shoulder ) limit mobility and lead to pain and stiffness. Autoimmune disorders: Lupus, Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune disorders cause your immune system to attack the body. Back injuries: Herniated disks, sciatica and other back problems are common causes of pain and limited mobility. Chronic pain disorders: There are several disorders that can lead to widespread pain all over your body. These include fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and central pain syndrome, Endometriosis: This painful condition causes the lining of the uterus to grow outside of the uterine walls. Endometriosis causes abdominal pain and irregular periods. Facial pain: Several conditions can cause pain in your face, including trigeminal neuralgia (TN), an abscessed tooth and other dental problems. Headaches: Migraine headaches and cluster headaches cause pain in the head and neck. Kidney stones and urinary tract problems: Kidney stones can cause severe pain when they pass through your body with urine (pee). Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) causes pelvic pain and pressure. Nerve damage (neuropathy): Damaged nerves can lead to pain, stinging and tingling. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common type of neuropathy,
What does severe nerve pain feel like?
What are the symptoms of nerve pain? – Nerve pain often feels like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. Sometimes it can feel as sharp and sudden as an electric shock. You may be very sensitive to touch or cold. You may also experience pain as a result of touch that would not normally be painful, such as something lightly brushing your skin.
