Any type of body pain that exceeds 6-months is classified as chronic pain and requires medical attention. Chronic pains are common and can happen anytime, anywhere in the body. Visit us at Manchester pain clinic for further investigation. Chronic pain is a result of medical issues or injuries. When your pain starts to disrupt your normal life, it’s time to visit a local pain management doctor.
In this article, we are going to find out 13 ways to manage chronic pain.
13 Ways to Manage Chronic Pain
When you visit us at Manchester pain clinic, our local pain management doctor will try to find out the cause of the pain.
Sometimes, chronic pain is the result of various mental and physical health. Some common disorders are;
- Sleep problems
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Drug overuse
When we say pain management, we mean ways to control or minimise the level of pain individual experiences over some time. Chronic pain can be treated or rather coped with in different ways, so if you are hesitant to start taking medications, or visiting at Manchester pain clinic and seeing a local pain management doctor, read further
Hot n Cold Therapy
One of the most common and safe techniques is using hot n cold therapy to reduce pain. When heat is applied, it helps the muscles to relax, dilating the blood vessels. Whereas, cold therapy reduces the flow of blood, eliminating inflammation that causes the pain. This is probably a doctor from Manchester pain clinic will ask you to do to get rid of the pain.
Massage
A type of soft tissue manipulation, massaging helps individuals benefit from it. Massages are usually accompanied by physical therapy and medication.
Some common benefits of massage include;
- Increased flexibility
- Relaxation
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved circulation of blood
- Reduced stiffness.
According to a 2007 review, massages are effective for lower back pain. However, less is known about other types of chronic pain
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy consists of physical techniques that will strengthen and stretch the joints and muscles. It helps in providing relief from pain, regardless of its location. If that does not help, visit a local pain management doctor to find a long-term cure.
Acupuncture
During acupuncture, your health care practitioner applies thin needles to the skin at exact points in the body. However, as per National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health, acupuncture is only effective for short-term pain relief.
Some Benefits of Acupuncture are;
- Reduction in inflammation
- Pain relief
- Relaxation And reduced muscle spasms
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Chronic pain results in mental health problems. People suffering from chronic pain often feel anxious and depressed. That is why CBT is recommended as it reduces the negative impact of chronic pain on the brain. According to a 2013 review on Psychological Pain Management, CBT helps in reducing pain followed by a treatment. The review also suggests it might be because it reduces anxiety around the area of pain.
Yoga
Before you visit Manchester pain clinic for any type of pain, try yoga. It helps to stay relaxed in your mind and body. Yoga strengthens the body and provides flexibility. Although a study conducted in 2010 suggests that yoga did not have any effect on patients with chronic pain. However, it did help them cope with the pain as they felt more in control of their feelings towards the pain.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a combination of breathing exercises, slow and continuous fluid body movements, and relaxation techniques. The method provides some type of relief as suggested by a review. Tai chi helped individuals cope with chronic pain in the lower back, rheumatoid, and osteoporosis. Dealing with chronic pain is difficult that is why people with chronic pain don’t waste time visiting their local pain management doctors. Tai chi might not show instant results but is beneficial in the long run.
Relaxation Technique
The relaxation technique helps to release muscle tension, ache, and any kind of body pain. It also helps the body release endorphins that act as natural pain killers.
- Practice deep breathing as it slows your breathing and helps relieves tension
- Progressive muscle relaxation involves relaxing and tensing each set of muscles for about 10 seconds, starting from head to toes. Every muscle is involved in progressive muscle relaxation. Try to focus on your breathing to keep your mind away from the pain that might arise from muscle tensing and relaxing.
- Calming activities involve setting time aside from activities like reading, gardening, writing, or anything that offers you peace of mind.
- Think calmly/ visualization will help you relax. To visualize think of a place, such as greenery covered with flowers, and imagine yourself in that place. Visualization is a great technique to spend more time and helps you stay relaxed.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
NSAIDs are classified as a group of medicines that helps in decreasing the inflammation and pain from the body. Available in tablets and capsules, NSAIDs may cause stomach and cardiovascular problems in some people. Make sure to discuss with your local pain management doctor before starting the medication.
Opioids
These are generally only used for short-term treatment as it is addictive, but they are beneficial for treating moderate to severe body pain.
Anti-depressants
Sometimes the person/patient might have tried all treatments like, knee treatment, shoulder treatment, and hand pain treatment etc, and nothing seems to be working. This is when your local pain management doctor will recommend anti-depressants to you.
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers are medications that will slow the heart rate and stop the hormones, mostly adrenaline from working. People with migraine pain usually take beta-blockers. Although, it is suggested to talk to your doctor to visit a pain clinic in Manchester to discuss your symptoms. Do not start any kind of medication without consulting with a doctor first.
Cannabis
CBDs are common pain treatment options. A study done in 2017 suggests that cannabis may ease neuropathic pain, only.
Conclusion
Chronic pain can be managed in different ways. Some are accessible easy to use. Your local pain management doctor will improvise several treatment options that will help ease the pain.
Do not perform acupuncture, physical therapy, and yoga without professional assistance. You do not need to suffer in pain, visit your nearest Manchester pain clinic.
Orthocure is not your everyday clinic. We have introduced an exciting new era in the field of medicine. Our local pain management doctor will not only cure your pain, but will create an atmosphere that will empower you. They will offer you their expert opinion and confidence in our treatment.
Contact us now to know more about our Manchester pain clinic.