Just as there are many types of aches and pains, the medical field has identified a number of different types of pain management. Selecting the right kind of treatment for your condition is a critical step toward a better quality of life
We’ve put together this list of common pain management techniques so you can make an informed decision about what type of treatment to pursue.
Types of Pain Management
Medications
Medication is the most common form of chronic pain treatment in the U.S. And when managed correctly, it’s also the easiest and most effective way to combat pain. Pain medication ranges from common varieties you can get over the counter to prescription meds for treating serious discomfort.
Important note: Make sure you have a conversation with your doctor before taking any new medication so you can understand how it might affect you.
Surgery
Many types of surgery, especially back surgeries, are performed to alleviate pain. Often a herniated disc or bone fragments are pressing against a nerve which causes a great deal of pain. During surgery, the problematic material will be removed from the nerve.
Nonsurgical Interventional Treatment
This type of pain management typically involves injecting the muscle, joint, tissue, or other affected area with a medication or other solution designed to alleviate the pain.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments
Minimally invasive procedures involve making minor incisions to access and treat the source of pain and require less recovery time than more traditional surgery. An example of a minimally invasive surgery would be a cholecystectomy, which is a procedure to remove gallstones that cause pain.
Detoxification
Chronic pain sufferers who experience a tolerance increase for pain medication can often benefit from a detoxification that will replenish the body’s endorphins, restore their ability to manage pain naturally, and reset their dependency on medication.
Education and Lifestyle Modification
Knowledge is power when it comes to pain management. Knowing which foods aggravate your pain, how to properly stretch, and other lifestyle modifications can greatly reduce pain. And most of these types of pain management can be done right at home.
Seek Pain Management at Carolinas Center for Surgery
If you’re seeking help with pain management in Jacksonville, NC, or surrounding areas, the Carolinas Center for Surgery can help. Whether it’s acute, chronic, or cancer pain you’re suffering from, we have a type of pain management for your needs.
The first step toward finding the right type of pain management for you is to undergo an evaluation. Schedule an appointment today and say goodbye to your pain tomorrow.