Living with pain can be challenging because it affects your performance at work. Chronic pain is the leading cause of absenteeism because people take days off to seek relief. Sometimes sleeping or even taking part in activities of daily living such as cleaning and cooking can also be affected.
However, it is easy to find relief when the cause of your pain is known. You can find relief for your pain by contacting Jay M. Shah MD, a pain specialist who will diagnose and treat your pain. Below are some of the effective ways of managing pain.
Pain medications
Pain medications are usually the first line of treatment when dealing with pain. Most people usually go for over-the-counter pain medication immediately after experiencing pain. However, if the pain persists, they seek medical attention.
There are various pain medications, each given depending on the pain level you are experiencing. For instance, paracetamol is usually given to help alleviate short-term pain. If you are experiencing severe pain, your care provider may recommend opioid medications such as morphine and codeine.
Physical therapy
Your care provider may recommend the use of physical therapy together with medications to help optimize the outcomes. Physical therapy can also be used, especially if you are interested in quickly resuming your daily chores. You may be required to participate in tasks such as walking, aerobic exercises, stretching, or strengthening exercises.
Doing so helps alleviate pain and improve your mood. It also helps improve the function of the affected body part. As a result, the range of motion of the affected body part is increased, thus allowing you to resume your work after a short time.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture incorporates the use of traditional Chinese medicine. It usually involves using thin needles inserted into certain parts of the skin, especially where the pain originates. The therapy aims to help restore balance in your body.
It also stimulates the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving compounds that promote healing. Acupuncture helps reduce the severity of pain and allows you to maintain function. Some people find pain relief even if the effectiveness of acupuncture is not inconclusive.
Deep breathing and meditation
Meditation and deep breathing can help your body relax and ease pain. Tightness and tension in your muscles ease as they receive a message to help them relax. There are various ways of meditating, but the soothing power of repetition is the best in some forms of meditation.
You can repeat a word or phrase while still focusing on your breathing. You should ensure you find a quiet place free from distractions. You can also practice deep breathing as it is a relaxation technique.
Some people usually rely on alcohol and other drugs to help them deal with pain. Most of them do not understand that you only find temporary relief. In most cases, you only get high, and once the alcohol is out of your system, you start feeling the pain again.
Therefore, you do not have to rely on drugs; instead, consult your care provider, who will provide ways that will offer long-lasting relief. You can find relief for your pain by scheduling a consultation at SamWell Institute for Pain Management today. The cause and level of your pain are evaluated before developing a personalized treatment for you.
