HOW CAN PAIN BE MANAGED?

Various options are available for management of pain and depending on the cause and nature of pain, one or a combination of the following may be used:

MEDICATIONS: There are a variety of medications used for pain management such as brufen, steroids, opioids and even anti-depressants.

INJECTIONS: Local anesthetic drugs, combined with a steroid are used to relieve some chronic pains.

NERVE BLOCKS: When a particular nerve or a group of nerves cause pain to a specific area, blocking these nerves with injections could be helpful.

PHYSICAL AND AQUATIC THERAPY: A physiotherapist may help in certain exercises to decrease pain. Other techniques like ultrasound, whirlpool and deep muscle massage may also be used.

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation uses small battery-operated devices, for pain relief in chronic conditions.

ACUPRESSURE AND ACUPUNCTURE: These ancient Chinese techniques are useful in certain types of chronic pains.

COUNSELLING: Many patients need psychological support and counselling as a part of treatment of chronic pain.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES: In addition to counselling, other forms of relaxation like yoga help in reducing stress and pain.

SURGERY: This may be an option to relieve pain in certain situations. Spine surgery, when the pain is due to a disc prolapse impinging or knee replacement surgery, when all other conservative methods have failed, are examples of surgical requirement to relieve pain.