Chronic pain is a feeling of pain in your body that lasts longer than 12 weeks, which is the normal amount of time pain is often expected to last. If your pain has lasted that long or longer, then getting rid of it won't be easy. There is no one immediate cure-all for pain, since pain can be caused by a number of reasons. It is also important to have realistic expectations when it comes to pain management. You might be able to experience temporary relief, but in some cases, it might be possible that the chronic pain or discomfort will never really go away. Sometimes, the only solution will be to find ways of making the pain more tolerable or to learn how to live with the chronic pain.
The health benefits of multi-modal pain management
A multi-modal pain management approach tackles the different facets of pain management. It doesn't rely on only one method. It is important to first identify the root cause of the pain and work from there. If you are suffering from chronic pain, you may have to undergo several medical tests to find out what is causing your pain. These tests may include diagnostic evaluations such as MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds. You may need to consult with a qualified pain management specialist. You can then work together to begin the path to recovery. Eliminating pain can be difficult, but it can be done. Or at the very least, it can be mitigated.
Some people may take over-the-counter (OTC) medication to cope with chronic pain, but these often come with unwanted side effects. Medication is only one of the many facets of chronic pain management. There are other alternatives you can use that don't have any of these side effects, such as natural pain relievers. (Related: Try these natural pain relievers to beat the pain without the meds.)
Different methods of multi-modal pain management
More often than not, a combination of multiple treatments is most effective in managing chronic pain. Here are a few strategies and complementary therapies you can use to manage your chronic pain:
- Physical and occupational therapy. These forms of therapy can help a lot of patients function better with less pain. There is an emphasis on making people stronger, despite their discomfort. The ability to be productive can allow a patient to better feel that they are not helpless and that their situation can improve.
- Gentle exercise. Physical activity can trigger the release of endorphins that can serve as your body's natural painkillers. Gentle exercises are ideal for those experiencing chronic pain. Some examples of low-impact exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, water aerobics, and swimming.
- Acupuncture and acupressure. These forms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can stimulate different parts of your body to alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Relaxation techniques. Some examples of relaxation techniques include meditation, yoga, and therapeutic massages.
- Psychological counseling. Psychological counseling can help a patient to better understand the pain they are going through and comes to terms with it. Connecting with other people can make the experience a whole lot more bearable.
Learn how to alleviate back pain and other forms of chronic pain by visiting BackPain.news.
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