HOW TO MANAGE YOUR CHRONIC PAIN

Chronic Pain Overview

Chronic pain is the most common major medical condition among adults. In the U.S. alone, chronic pain is estimated to affect over 50 million people and cost $635 billion annually, more than the annual costs of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. About 18 million adults in the U.S. live with chronic pain that limits their ability to complete daily activities.

Pain is considered chronic if it has lasted for three months or more. Though causes can vary, chronic pain is generally the result of an injury, illness, or nerve damage. It can present itself in many different ways, but among the most common conditions that cause chronic pain are sciatica, spinal stenosis, arthritis, herniated discs, fibromyalgia, post-surgery pain, and diabetic neuropathy. Severity of pain can range from a constant nuisance to so painful that simply wearing a sock can be excruciating.

The good news for chronic pain sufferers is that our understanding of these pain conditions has advanced dramatically in recent years and substantial research has produced some incredible treatments capable of providing long-lasting, highly effective relief.

Pain Medications

When administered and managed responsibly, pain medications can help manage certain chronic pain conditions. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications can be enough, while in more severe or unusual cases, prescription pain medications may be recommended.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involves performing low-impact exercises, stretches, and specific movements to increase strength and improve mobility throughout the body.

This enhanced strength and overall functionality allows your body to cope with physical stressors more effectively and can result in pain relief, especially when paired with other services. Physical Therapy is unique in that it can be completed in-office or virtually.

Injections

Many chronic pain conditions can be successfully treated with injections. A medication containing a numbing agent (anesthetic), an anti-inflammatory (steroid), or a combination of both, is injected near the nerve, joint, or tissue causing the pain. The medication bathes the affected area, reducing symptoms and relieving pain.

Injections are brief, outpatient procedures that can provide several months of pain relief.

Radiofrequency Ablation

During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, the painful nerves are ablated (burned) using heat generated by radio waves. Special, hollow needles are placed at the site of the nerve and thin electrodes are inserted through the needles. A special machine generates radio wave energy, and the electrodes deliver it to the nerve(s), ablating them. This breaks up the pain signals coming from these nerves, providing relief.

Nerve ablation is a brief, outpatient procedure that requires minimal recovery time and generally provides between 6 and 12 months of pain relief.

Intrathecal Pain Pump

An intrathecal pump is an implanted device that automatically introduces medication directly into the body's cerebrospinal fluid. This direct infusion bypasses natural process in the body that may stop other kinds of medication from passing into the brain. As a result, intrathecal administration can offer fast and effective results while reducing the negative side effects commonly associated with oral pain medications.

Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced pain treatment that uses electricity to block pain signals.

A small battery is implanted in the lower back and connected to thin leads that are placed next to the painful nerves. The battery generates mild electric pulses, which the leads deliver to the nerves, "stimulating" them. This electrical stimulation blocks pain signals before they reach the brain, resulting in significant pain relief.

Spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive, outpatient surgical procedure that can provide many years of effective pain relief.

Relieve Your Pain, Renew Your Life

Chronic pain can be an exhausting, debilitating condition. But now more than ever, pain sufferers have ample opportunity to achieve a better quality of life. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, schedule an appointment with your local pain clinic and learn how they can help you get back to being your very best YOU!

Contributed by Twin Cities Pain Clinic.

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