March 31, 2008
We can’t deny the fact that the pain we are experiencing even it is mild or acute limits to do our normal activities. It’s hard but we are still finding ways on how to get rid of it right?! So to be able for us to distinguish and control the pain, here are some advice to follow:
1. See your doctor and discuss the pain what you are going through.
2. Ask your doctor about do’s and don’ts while undergoing medication.
3. If your doctor asked you to rate the pain, explain them in detail so that it will not be hard for them to decide about your problem and the treatment. Remember there are lots of pains and the symptoms are all almost the same.
4. If you see that the pain doesn’t change, ask for referral to a pain specialist.
March 30, 2008
Break harmful patterns
Many habits and thought patterns contribute to a constant struggle with pain. Trying to find information about your condition makes you spend time researching related publications and browsing the internet. This may keep you focused on what’s wrong instead of finding ways to improve things.
These harmful patterns may include:
Avoiding normal activities
Sleeping irregularly
Eating unhealthy foods
Ignoring signs of depression
Using pain medication to treat other problems,
Focusing on negative thoughts
Engaging in unhealthy relationships that prevent rehabilitation
Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol
Using recreational drugs
March 26, 2008
Identify the obstacles
Chronic pain can control your thoughts. Shift focus, identify an obstacle then set attainable goals to help you step past the obstacle and proceed.
Some samples of obstacles:
Not taking medication as prescribed. You take extra doses of medication at night because of a forgotten day-schedule. Ask your doctor about simplifying your regimen. Set the goal of taking your medication exactly as prescribed till you get accustomed to it.
Avoiding the exercises. If a simple set of daily exercises will help your pain, but you can’t do it for some reasons, come clean with your doctor. Your doctor can help you find out why and take care of the problem.
March 20, 2008
Complete relief from chronic pain may not be possible but it doesn’t have to rule your life. Take control and have a full life.
Find the right care – It may be frustrating trying to find relief for your pain and can’t seem to find one. Look for a pain management specialist who has expertise on the underlying conditions of your pain and who:
Wants to help
Listens well
Helps you feel at ease
Encourages questions
Allows you to disagree
Willing to talk with your family
Has a positive attitude
Be sure to inform your specialist of the pain medication and other drugs you’re taking.
March 15, 2008
For you to measure the level of pain you are experiencing, see the differences of the 3 types of pain. Maybe it will help you to decide whether you need to see a doctor or just a medication will do.
• Mild pain: Mild pain is self-limited. It goes away either with no therapy at all or with the use of nonprescription medication
• Moderate pain: Moderate pain interferes with function. You can’t ignore the pain and go on with your daily activities, but once treated it will never come back.
• Severe pain: Severe pain is the pain that doesn’t go away and treatments must be continuous. It may takes for days, weeks, months or years, depends on the pain you’re going through. You may be confined to bed or chair rest because of the severity of the pain.
March 10, 2008
Aspirin and ibuprofen are over-the-counter painkillers that can control milder cases of musculoskeletal pain and reduce inflammation. Doctors may prescribe stronger drugs, such as muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or a short course of stronger painkillers. Injecting corticosteroid at the site of an injury can reduce swelling and inflammation. An anesthesiologist may administer anesthesia to alleviate pain for a short period. Oral doses of the amino acid D-phenylalanine seem to release endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers, and can relieve all types of pain.
Herbal remedies may do their work but you have to consult your doctor before using them.
March 5, 2008
Symptoms that indicate chronic pain may include:
A mild to severe pain that does not go away as expected after illness or injury
A pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical
A feeling of discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness
Pain is not a symptom that exists alone. There are other problems associated with pain and these include:
Fatigue which may cause impatience
Sleeplessness because pain keeps you up
Withdrawal from activity and increased need to rest
Weakened immune system
Changes in mood including hopelessness, fear, depression, irritability, anxiety, and stress
March 1, 2008
Chronic pain is usually treated by using medicines and therapy. Medicines most commonly used for chronic pain include pain relievers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants.
There are several types of therapy that can help ease pain. Low-impact exercise and physical therapy can help reduce the pain. Occupational therapy teaches you how to pace yourself and to do ordinary tasks in such a way that you won’t hurt yourself. Behavioral therapy can help reduce your pain through methods that help you relax and help decrease stress.
Changes in lifestyle also help in treating chronic pain. Work at learning how to best control your pain.