Pain Management May Mean More Than Just Medication

There are two kinds of pain. Acute pain and Chronic pain. Acute pain begins suddenly, lasts for a short time, and goes away as your body heals. Acute pain can be caused by injury such as a broken bone, or from treatable medical conditions such as a kidney stone.
Pain that lasts for three months or longer is called chronic pain. Chronic pain can be caused by health conditions such as arthritis. It may also follow acute pain from an injury or surgery.
Living with any type of pain can be hard and it may lead to other issues such as:

• Making daily activities difficult
• Disrupting sleep
• Making it difficult to focus
• Causing depression or anxiety

Describing Pain
Many people have a hard time describing pain. Think about these questions when you explain how the pain feels:

• Where does it hurt?
• When did the pain start?
• Does it come and go?
• Is the pain sharp, dull, or burning?
• Do you have other symptoms?
• When do you feel the pain? In the morning? In the evening? After eating?
• Is there anything you do that makes the pain feel better or worse? For example, does using a heating pad or ice pack help?
• What medicines, including over-the-counter medications Have you tried? What was the result of taking the medication?

 
Doctors often ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine.
 
Treating Pain
Treating, or managing, chronic pain can be accomplished in many different ways. Some treatments may involve medication, and some, including physical therapy may not. Ask your doctor how long it may take before you feel better. You will likely need to stick with the treatment plan as prescribed before you get relief. It's important to stay on a schedule. As your pain improves, you can likely become more active and will see your sleep and mood improve.
 
Medicines
Your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to help relieve your pain. Talk to your doctor before starting any medication including over the counter medications.

• Acetaminophen may help all types of pain, especially mild to moderate pain. Acetaminophen is found in over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Long-term use of some NSAIDs can cause side effects, like internal bleeding or kidney problems, which make them unsafe for many older adults.
• Narcotics (also called opioids) are used for moderate to severe pain and require a doctor's prescription. They may be habit-forming. They can also be dangerous when taken with alcohol or certain other drugs. Examples of narcotics are codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.
• Other medications are sometimes used to treat pain. These include antidepressants, anticonvulsive medicines, local painkillers like nerve blocks or patches, and ointments and creams.

 
It's important to take exactly the amount of pain medicine your doctor prescribes. Don't chew or crush your pills if they are supposed to be swallowed whole. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're having trouble swallowing your pills. Mixing any pain medication with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous. Make sure your doctor knows all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements.
 
What Other Treatments Help with Pain?
In addition to drugs, there are a variety of treatments that may provide relief. It may take both medicine and other treatments to feel better. As always be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin any treatment.

• Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body.
  
• Biofeedback Biofeedback is a technique you can use to learn to control some of your body's functions, such as your heart rate. By learning to relaxing certain muscles, you may reduce pain.
• Distraction can help you cope with acute pain, taking your mind off your discomfort.
• Electrical nerve stimulation involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to treat pain. A small device delivers the current at or near nerves.
• Hypnosis generally involves a hypnotic induction with suggestions for relaxation and comfort.
• Massage therapy to release tension in muscles.
  
• Physical therapy may include hands-on treatments for your symptoms. They teach you special exercises to help you move and function better.

 
There are things you can do yourself that might help you feel better. 

• Maintain a healthy weight. A healthy weight might help with pain in the knees, back, hips, or feet.
• Stay Active. Pain might make you want to move as little as possible, which can lead to loss of function and more pain.
• Sleep. A good night sleep can reduce pain sensitivity, help healing, and improve your mood.
• Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol. They can get in the way of treatment and prolong the healing process.

Most people don't have to live with pain. While not all pain can be cured, most pain can be managed. If your doctor has not been able to help you, ask to see a pain specialist.