FAQ’s on Pain Management
Every person experiences pain at one point in their life, 86 million American claimed some sort of pain in the last 2 years. Pain can attack the body anywhere it’s vulnerable, such as in a patient’s muscles, bones, and joints. To guarantee a comprehensive evaluation and successful treatment of a pain patient, Pain medication management is multi-disciplinary in its approach. Acute pain is temporary and rarely requires pain management.
What is acute pain?
Pain that is sudden and sharp, or more intense in quality, is considered acute pain. It is the body’s way of warning something is wrong and the body is under threat or attack such as with an injury or disease. Acute pain can last for weeks, or even months, but does fade. It does not last more than 6 months in its duration. Many events can cause an episode of acute pain:
- Burns, scrapes, or cuts
- Dental problems or work
- Labor or childbirth
- Broken or fractured bones
- Surgical procedures
What is chronic pain?
Pain can persist for long periods and be resistant to therapies and be more complex in achieving relief. Chronic pain is pain that persists over 3 months and is progressively worsening. Patients suffering with ongoing or chronic pain will need Pain management for maintenance to avoid complications or side effects.
- Headache: Migraines, cluster, and tension
- Lumbar pain
- Arthritic pain
- Neurogenic pain (nerve damage)
- Psychogenic pain
- Cancer pain
Drug therapies in pain medication management
Treatments for patients with chronic pain can be diverse, as there are many causes and approaches. It is rare any one technique can provide 100% relief, so pain management uses a combination of treatment options to custom tailor a plan of action for each patient to strive for the most effective solution with the least risks or side effects.
Topical Applications Milder forms of pain may find relief with over-the -counter medications such as acetaminophen or with NSAIDS (anti-inflammatories such as naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen). Topically applied creams and lotions can help relieve muscle pain and joint pain from arthritis.
Prescription relief Stronger prescriptions that may include anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, or a higher dose of NSAIDS.
Opioids Short courses of stronger painkillers may be effective for severe acute pain.
Steroid injections applied directly to the problematic joint can help combat advanced swelling and inflammation.
PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) The patient self-administers medicine intravenously, subcutaneously, or directly into an area of the spine. This is usually an in-patient pain control method while a patient is hospitalized.
Nerve blocks The injection of nerve-numbing medications into an area predetermined by diagnostic imaging such as a MRI, X-Ray, or CT scan.
How is more severe pain treated with pain management?
Drug therapy through pain medication management can be more effective when combined with other forms of pain treatments for the most successful results. Depending on the symptoms, there are many options for the maximum treatment of acute and chronic pain.
- Alternative therapies: acupuncture, physical therapy, and massage therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Behavior modification
- Surgical correction
Pain medication management is the method for a patient to seek continued maintenance and coming to terms with their pain for a long term basis to continue to lead a productive life while living with complications from injury or disease.