Understanding Chronic Pain Management

It is impossible to enjoy life when you suffer from persistent pain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 20% of adults experience chronic pain in the United States. Chronic pain often limits life and work activities and is among the top reasons American adults seek medical care.

If you or a loved one suffers chronic pain, you shouldn’t fight it alone. At Pain Therapy Associates, we offer a wide range of pain relief options to match your unique needs. Our team of board-certified pain specialists can help pinpoint the source of your pain and help you restore your life. Call us today at (847) 352-5511 to book an appointment.

Keep reading to learn more about chronic pain management.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Pain that persists for more than six months and causes significant disruption to everyday living is considered chronic. Chronic pain is mentally and physically draining, and it can cause you to take your frustrations out on the people closest to you or yourself.

People can experience chronic pain in various parts of the body. The cause of chronic pain might vary considerably. The following are examples of chronic pain:

Arthritis and joint pain
Cancer pain
Muscle pain all over or fibromyalgia
Neck pain
Back pain
Headaches and migraines

Chronic Pain Management

Medical practitioners first try to identify the cause of chronic pain to devise an effective treatment plan.

Chronic pain can be treated in a variety of ways by medical professionals. The treatment strategy is heavily influenced by a wide range of factors, such as:

Type of pain
Cause of pain
Location of pain
Your age
Your medical history
Your overall health

Medication, dietary and behavioral modifications, and other therapy forms are the most effective.

Physical Pain Management Techniques

Below are some of the most common physical methods for managing chronic pain.

Physical Therapy

Therapeutic exercises and stretches are performed in physical therapy to improve flexibility and muscle strength. Depending on the location of the pain, it can provide local or systemic relief.

Massage

Massage is a type of soft-tissue manipulation. This approach may be practical when combined with other pain management methods, such as medicine and physical therapy.

The benefits of massage include relaxation, improved flexibility, reduced inflammation, and better posture.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy is a popular and safe method of pain relief. The use of heat has been shown to help muscle relaxation and blood vessel dilation.

Cold therapy lowers blood flow and reduces inflammation that causes pain. When doing so, it is common practice to use an ice pack wrapped in a towel and place it on the skin.

Acupuncture

To perform acupuncture, a practitioner inserts very fine needles into the skin at strategic locations all over the body.

Evidence from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggests this method could help patients manage some pain disorders.

Chronic Pain Management Strategies for the Mind and Body

Some of the most common mind-body methods for chronic pain management include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Relaxation Exercises
Yoga Exercises
Tai Chi

Medications Used in Chronic Pain Management

There is a broad range of drugs or medications used to relieve pain. Different pharmacological classes and types have varying effects and may be better suited to other patients. They include

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Opioids
Antidepressants
Beta-blockers
Medicinal marijuana
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Nerve blocks
Epidural Steroid Injections

Get the Help You Deserve from the Leading Rheumatology and Pain Specialists in Chicago

If you are suffering from chronic pain, our pain management doctors adopt a more comprehensive, holistic approach to help end your suffering. At Pain Therapy Associates (PTA), we provide more than the proven methods for dealing with pain.

We recognize the uniqueness of each patient and that no two persons with the same issue, condition, or diagnosis will have the same response to treatment. Therefore, we use cutting-edge methods to manage and treat your pain.Call us at (847) 352-5511 to schedule an appointment.

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Pain Therapy Associates

3200 W Higgins Suite 101, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

847-352-5511

847-352-5585 (fax)

info@painhelp.com

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