No Standard Treatment
Chronic pain doesn’t act like pain is supposed to. The regular treatments that are used for pain often do not work. There is hope, however. Many people do best with a customized treatment program. Creating your treatment program should be a collaboration between you and your doctor. Below are some of your options:
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Muscle relaxants can decrease muscle spasm and stiffness. Prescription anti-inflammatories can decrease inflammation. Some anti-seizure medications and antidepressants have been shown to help. Opioid analgesics may be prescribed, although many physicians believe that chronic pain can be treated with little or no opioids. Topical analgesics, pain-relievers that are applied directly to the skin, can be beneficial, especially if you don’t tolerate pills well.
Physical therapy
The purpose of physical therapy is to restore function and to improve the body’s physical condition. Physical therapy can be very helpful for chronic pain. Physical therapists can teach you how to move your body to minimize pain. Your treatment will consist of exercises and pain-relievers such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, heat and cold.
Exercise
An exercise program performed at home or in a gym can be beneficial. Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which block pain signals. Exercise can help you to build strength and endurance and improve your flexibility. An added benefit is that exercise can improve your mood. Your doctor or physical therapist can teach you exercises. If you use a trainer in a gym it is crucial that the trainer understands your condition. Ask the trainer if he or she has worked with people with chronic pain before. With chronic pain it is very important that the exercises are done the right way and that they are appropriate for you. The wrong types of exercises can make the pain worse.
Alternative/complementary medicine
Many people who suffer from chronic pain notice improvement with acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic and
massage therapy. These treatments may be helpful, particularly if you have not responded well to medications. Although these are considered “alternative” treatments, they are becoming much more accepted by the medical establishment.
Injections
Injections of local anesthetics and/or corticosteroids into specific joints, tendons, ligaments or muscles can be helpful in some cases. Some injections can be performed by your doctor in the office. Other injections will need to be performed in a surgical center.
Surgery
Surgery is usually seen as a last resort for chronic pain. In some cases a pain control device can be surgically implanted. Options include intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation. With intrathecal drug delivery the implanted device releases pain medications directly into the spinal fluid. With spinal cord stimulation the implanted device releases a small electrical current to the spinal cord.
Mental health
Psychological treatment can help you learn to cope with the pain and improve your quality of life. Many people with chronic pain become depressed , anxious or irritable. Chronic pain can be very difficult to deal with. A psychiatrist can prescribe medications such as antidepressants and can counsel you. A psychologist cannot prescribe medications, but can provide psychotherapy. Your pain management doctor can help you make the decision on whether to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
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