Chronic Pain Care
Pain is the most common reason people see a doctor, but relieving pain isn't always straightforward. Some people who suffer from chronic pain find Chronic Pain Care, therapy and lifestyle changes; others get no relief at all. Some pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but when that doesn't work, physicians may prescribe stronger drugs. Some of these drugs, such as opioids, are habit-forming, so they must be used under a physician's care.
In some cases, doctors can't find the source of the pain. However, when the pain persists and interferes with daily activities, some people turn to special pain clinics for help. These are often associated with hospitals or rehab facilities, but some are privately run and offer both inpatient and outpatient treatment.
People with chronic pain can be at risk for other health problems, including obesity, depression and anxiety. These conditions can make the pain worse by causing fatigue, sleep changes and less activity, which can lead to more pain. Some pain can also be aggravated by certain medications, including antidepressants and some types of antiseizure medications.
A doctor can diagnose a chronic pain condition by asking questions about how long the pain has been present and where it is located, what makes it better or worse, when it starts and stops, and whether it gets progressively or suddenly worse. The doctor will then perform a physical exam and may order lab tests, such as blood and urine. These can show if there are any underlying conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, that could be contributing to the pain.
The doctor will usually recommend a combination of drug and non-drug treatments to relieve the pain. Non-opioid, oral medications may include antibiotics to treat an infection, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen; muscle relaxants to ease spasms; or cyclooxygenase inhibitors to reduce inflammation. Other medications can be applied to the skin, such as ointments that contain ingredients that create either heat or cold. Medications that are injected into the body, such as steroid injections, can help relieve nerve and bone pain.
In addition to medicines, other treatments for pain may include acupuncture, which involves placing needles into specific points on the body; a hands-on treatment called osteopathic manipulative therapy, or OMT, with a trained practitioner using his or her hands to change energy fields in your body; and relaxation techniques, such as massage and meditation.
Psychologists can help you learn to manage stress, which can increase the intensity of pain. Some psychologists and other health care providers use a technique called biofeedback, which teaches you to control your physical responses to stress. Many patients who go through a pain management program are able to gain control over their pain and resume their normal lives. Many of these clinics are free and available to anyone, but they are best suited for those who have not found any other treatment that helps. Other options for managing pain may be to join a self-management course that can teach you skills to live with your pain on a day-to-day basis.