We all sense some level of pain at various times in our lives. As we age, the pain can increase and sometimes feel unbearable. Learning to cope with such discomfort is challenging, and at times, there seems to be no end in sight.
However, there are some ways to help relieve pain, even if not eradicate it. People have tried natural and pharmaceutical remedies. The medical world has also introduced some treatment procedures that can offer relief, as well.
Let us take a look at some of the ways to fight chronic pain.
Injection
There is a treatment called trigger point injection, which helps the muscle area become tight or is the pain source. The injection is given in various parts of the body as needed. It is usually administered to the neck, back, leg, and arm to bring relief to the patient. This treatment helps fight myofascial pain syndrome, headaches caused by tension, and fibromyalgia.
Implants
Some chronic pain conditions can become so severe it requires an operation. When no other pain treatment works, the next step is to use transplants. There are two specific types of implants that work this way. One is called Intrathecal Drug Delivery, a procedure that places a medicinal pump under your skin. The surgeon inserts the pump using a small incision.
The second treatment is called Spinal Cord Stimulation Implants. This procedure requires surgery as well; the implant can be remotely controlled. It works well for pains in the limbs and back. The Spinal cord Stimulation Implants have two designs. The fully implanted option uses a non-rechargeable battery with a pulse generator. The other has a transmitter and antenna. The second model has an implant with the antenna and transmitter outside.
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy (TENS) is a method that uses electricity to rid the body of pain. The idea is to stimulate nerves responsible for the pain you feel using electrodes to distribute the electricity. The procedure tricks the brain by the interference of the brain signal’s natural response. Scrambling signals to the brain work for some types of pain but not all. This method doesn’t help chronic lower back pain.
Bioelectric
Bioelectric methods are similar in some regards to TENS. This method also relies on tricking the brain by using electricity. It also helps the body to release endorphins, which help with pain relief. This method helps with back pain, muscle pain, arthritis, migraines, scleroderma, Diabetic Neurotherapy, and similar conditions. Experts suggest that this method could reduce the use of pain relief drugs by half.
Physical
Physical therapy can also alieve some types of pain if done correctly. This therapy has caused persons to regain full function of their body and reduce or alleviate pain. The therapist may also use treatments like TENS to help give a patient relief. Most physical therapists will use swimming and water exercises to help with pain discomfort. Exercise can release endorphins, a chemical in the body that reduces pain and strengthens the body.
Psychological
Experts believe some pain relief cases may require a different approach to traditional methods. The brain plays a big part in the pain we feel as individuals. They think that the psychological aspect could help reduce the feeling of pain based on this find. Sadness, worry, anxiety, and depression are known to make the pain increase. A probable solution is to learn how to cope with life issues and find more activities to increase positive thoughts.
Alternatives
Other techniques that have received positive results are acupuncture and an excellent nutritional diet. Massages have helped with pain and overall well-being. Some experts suggest that little evidence exists to support the pain relief therapy that these methods may offer. However, some individuals stand by these practices. Chiropractors have helped many persons recover from bone-related pain issues by realigning their bone structure. That should say something about these techniques.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies have taken a beating for a long time as unreliable. You will find those on one side of the fence, claiming that these natural products can help reduce or eliminate pain and swear by it. On the other side of the wall are those who say these claims have no merit and advise persons to seek medical advice and avoid overdosing on natural substances. Either way, some individuals still opt for a more natural approach, so it is essential to do your research.
These are some of the main ways a person can fight discomfort caused by chronic pain. You should seek all the advice you can get, but only you can decide what is best for you.