While particular forms of pain are chronic, such as headaches, and others are acute, such as those caused by surgery, the discipline of pain management considers them all diseases. This enables the use of science and the most recent medical discoveries to alleviate your discomfort. To relieve pain, doctors may now use various methods, including medication, interventional pain management techniques (nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators, and similar therapies), physical therapy, and alternative medicine. The objective of pain management Falls Church is to reduce rather than eliminate pain. This is because it is not always feasible to eliminate it. Other goals include improving function and increasing quality of life. These three objectives are inextricably linked.
Overview of pain management
Depending on the origin of the pain, pain treatment can be simple or complex. An example of less complicated discomfort is a nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain spreading down the leg. This ailment is frequently relieved by an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. However, the ache does not always go away. A wide range of abilities and approaches may be required to address the pain.
Factors that influence pain management
The history of the pain, its severity, length, aggravating and alleviating factors, and structures involved in creating the pain all influence pain management. To generate pain, a structure must have a nerve supply, be vulnerable to damage, and stimulation of the structure should develop pain. Most interventional pain methods are based on the idea that there is a particular structure in the body with sensory nerves causing the pain. Pain management plays a part in determining the root of the problem and isolating the best treatment. Fluoroscopy is frequently used to aid the doctor in accurately placing the injection so that the drug only reaches the exact place. Fluoroscopy is an X-ray-guided imaging technique. In addition, ultrasound is utilized to locate structures and guide injections.
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is complex, and it may take some time for an individual to find the ideal pain management strategies that work for them. Other things to consider include hot and cold therapy, yoga, and pharmacological therapies. Chronic pain can arise from an accident or a medical condition. Healthcare professionals define chronic pain as lasting more than three months or extending beyond the typical recovery time for the underlying ailment or damage. Furthermore, chronic pain may impact all aspects of a person’s life, from job and social activities to sleep and mental health.
There are several techniques to treat chronic pain, many of which are readily available and straightforward to implement. Most pain management approaches try to lessen chronic pain or enhance coping mechanisms. Some pain management techniques, such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and yoga, are better used with a licensed therapist to guarantee safety. Before starting any new drug, people should consult with their doctor. This is to ensure that they are safe, do not aggravate pain, and do not interfere with any other medications a patient takes. Call Integrated Neurology Services to schedule your consultation to determine which pain management technique suits you.
