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GeneralPain Management Trends: How Are People Managing Pain Today?

Marshall Thurlow2 years ago13 min

When it comes to pain management, people are always looking for new and innovative ways to ease their suffering. Some will rely on medication, while others will use alternative methods like acupuncture or chiropractic care.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most popular current methods used to manage people’s pain. We also discuss in detail the benefits of each method. So, whether you’re in pain and looking for relief, or you’re simply interested in learning more about the subject, this article is for you.

How common is pain?

It’s no secret that pain is a part of life. Whether it’s the occasional headache or a chronic condition, pain is something that most people experience regularly. But just how common is pain?

According to a recent survey, more than half of adults in the United States say they experience pain daily. This includes both chronic and acute pain, with arthritis, migraines, and back pain being the most common complaints. For many people, pain is simply a fact of life that must be dealt with daily.

What types of pain are there?

There are two major forms of pain that people experience: Acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute pain is the kind of pain that comes on suddenly and is usually short-lived. It’s the kind of pain you might feel if you twist your ankle or get a paper cut.

Chronic pain, on the other hand, is ongoing pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. It can be caused by a medical condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia, or it can be the result of an injury. Chronic pain can make it difficult to do everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, and walking. It can also lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

If a person is dealing with chronic pain, it’s important they talk to their doctor about treatment options. There are ways to manage chronic pain, and with the right help, a person can live a full and active life.

What are the ways that people manage pain?

Pain medicine

There are many different types of pain medications available, and the best one for you depends on the type and severity of your pain.

Pain management in the form of medication can be either over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful for mild pain, while stronger prescription medications may be necessary for more severe pain. In some cases, a combination of different medications may be recommended.

The most common types of medications used for pain relief are analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants.

Analgesics work by blocking the pain signals that are sent to the brain. Anti-inflammatories reduce inflammation and swelling. Finally, muscle relaxants help to relieve muscle spasms.

Physical therapy

Another popular method of pain management is the use of physical therapy. Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles, as well as improve the range of motion.

The scope of physical therapy includes optimising movement and function, reducing pain, and minimising the risk of re-injury. Treatment plans are individualised and may include exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat or ice.

Chiropractic care

Among the many medical treatments for pain, chiropractic care is one of the more hands on and most popular. Chiropractic is a form of manual therapy that focuses on treating the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.

The main goal of chiropractic care is to reduce pain and improve function by manipulating the bones and joints. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to achieve these results, including spinal adjustments, massage, and exercises. Although it is often used to treat back pain, chiropractic care can be effective for other types of pain. For example, it may be helpful for headaches, neck pain, and arthritis.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy is a form of physical therapy that can help to relieve pain by breaking up the adhesions in the muscles. Massage therapy manipulates the soft tissues of the body to relieve pain and promote relaxation.

Popular forms of massage therapy include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot stone massage, and trigger point massage.

Acupuncture

A traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves the process of inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. The practice is used for a variety of purposes, including pain relief (for pain such as headaches, migraines, and joint pain), nausea reduction, and stress relief.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain. CBT helps people to change the way they think about pain, and teaches them coping skills to deal with the pain on a day-to-day basis. CBT can be used to treat both chronic and acute pain.

Research has shown that CBT can be an effective pain treatment, with patients reporting reduced pain, less disability, and improved quality of life.

What are the side effects of pain medicines?

Pain medicines work by dulling the brain’s perception of pain signals. While this can be helpful in the short term, it can also lead to several unwanted side effects, including drowsiness, constipation, and dizziness. In some cases, pain medicines can also cause stomach ulcers and liver damage.

Some of the more common side effects of pain medicines include the following:

  • Paracetamol – When taken at the recommended dosage, the side effects of paracetamol are rare. However, when the dosage exceeds recommended levels, paracetamol has been known to cause skin rash and liver damage.
  • Aspirin – Among the most frequent side effects of aspirin are vomiting, nausea, indigestion, and stomach ulcer. In less common cases, some people can experience tinnitus, asthma attack, kidney damage, and bleeding.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These types of drugs can lead to headache, stomach upset, nausea, skin rash, heartburn, fatigue, tinnitus, and high blood pressure. In less frequent cases, they can increase the risk of kidney failure, as well as stroke, angina, and heart disease.
  • Opioid pain medicines – Opioid medicines such as oxycodone, morphine, and codeine must be strictly taken as prescribed. Common side effects of opioids include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, falls, constipation, and vomiting. In addition, opioids can lead to dependence and slow down breathing. In extreme cases, they can even lead to coma or death.

Summary

There are many ways to manage pain, both acute and chronic. Over-the-counter or prescription medications may help to relieve pain, but it’s important to realise they don’t always work. Other treatments, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physical therapy, can also be helpful. Sometimes, a combination of treatments is the best approach.

For those struggling with pain, it’s important they talk to their doctor about pain management options. There are many ways to manage pain, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with the right treatment plan, people can find relief and start living a fuller life again.

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Marshall Thurlow

Marshall Thurlow is Director and Founder of Orion Marketing Pty Ltd. He is a digital marketer with expertise in SEO, website design, content marketing and project management. With over 15 years of experience spanning government, not-for-profit and the private sector, he is well equipped to lead teams to success.

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