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.