Chronic Pain Treatment:
A Patient's Guide
Chronic pain treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. Discover treatment plans tailored to your needs and symptoms with Black Horse Health.
How Can Black Horse Health Help You Manage Your Chronic Pain
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. It can stem from various causes like injury, medical conditions, or even unknown reasons. This ongoing discomfort can affect the overall quality of life. However, effective chronic pain treatment options are available.
A recent study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that almost 52 million American adults experience chronic pain. That means about 1 in 5 adults in the US are dealing with this condition on a daily basis.1
Common Conditions and Chronic Pain Treatment Approaches
- Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain can happen for several reasons, like lifting something heavy or sitting in a bad position. For treatment, doctors often recommend physical therapy to help with posture. They may also prescribe pain medication.
- Osteoarthritis: This involves the cushioning on the ends of your bones wearing out. Treatments often include medications or injections to reduce swelling and pain.
- Migraines: Migraines are severe headaches that can last for hours or even days. They often come with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Preventive medications like beta-blockers can help prevent migraines before they start.
- Fibromyalgia: This is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points on the body. For treatment, you might be given antiseizure drugs that can help manage symptoms. Talking therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also help.
- Neuropathic Pain: This kind of pain comes from damage to the nervous system, often due to diabetes or nerve injury. Treatment might include taking antidepressants or using creams, such as capsaicin cream, that numb the painful area.
What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain Treatment?
Chronic Pain
Acute Pain
Why It's Important to Know the Difference Between Chronic Pain and Acute Pain
Exploring Chronic Pain Treatment Options
Medication
Over-the-Counter Choices
- Painkillers: Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most common medications to help with pain.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are often the first choice for treating pain that comes from injured body tissue. They are commonly used for conditions like arthritis or long-term back pain.
Prescription Medications
- Stronger NSAIDs: These are similar to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs but come in stronger doses for more significant pain relief.
- Specialized Medications: Stronged medication, such as opioid pain medication, can help with long-term pain.
Physical Therapies
- Therapeutic Exercise: These are special exercises a physical therapist might guide you through. They’re designed to help you target a specific type of pain.
- Regular Physical Activity: Even simple activities like walking or swimming can make a difference in managing chronic pain.
Mental Health Strategies
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a type of counseling that teaches individuals how to change negative thought patterns that can make their pain worse. People learn better coping skills and ways to mentally manage pain.
- Mindfulness: This teaches individuals to focus on the present moment, which can help them become more aware of their body and the pain they experience.
- Relaxation Techniques: These can include deep breathing and meditation to help reduce stress, which can lessen pain.
Risks and Side Effects of Long-Term Chronic Pain Treatment with Medication
Common Side Effects of Long-Term Medication Use
- Digestive Issues: Nausea or heartburn can be common with certain types of pain medicine.
- Sleep Problems: Some medicines might make it hard for individuals to sleep, or they may even cause some individuals to feel drowsy during the day.
- Mood Changes: Long-term use of some medicines could affect mood, making individuals feel anxious or depressed.
Managing the Risks
- Consult Your Doctor: Always talk to your healthcare provider about the medication plan. They can help find the right dose of medication, or even adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- Monitor and Report: Keep track of any side effects and report them to your doctor. This helps in adjusting your medication if needed.
- Consider Alternative Treatments: Sometimes, you might be able to use other forms of treatment, like physical therapy or psychological help, to lessen the need for medicine.
Safety First
- Avoiding Mixing Medications: Some medicines don’t interact well with others. Always check with your doctor before adding a new medication to your routine.
- Limit Alcohol and Other Substances: Mixing pain medication with alcohol or other substances can pose risks. Additionally, research indicates that alcohol consumption can make you more sensitive to pain. It’s advisable to avoid these combinations for safer treatment.
How Pain and Medical History Influence Chronic Pain Treatment Choices
The Role of Your Pain Experience
- Type of Pain: Knowing the kind of pain helps in choosing the right medication or therapy. Doctors often ask patients if their pain feels like a shooting, stabbing, or throbbing type of pain.
- Location of Pain: Pain in different areas of the body might be treated differently. For example, back pain may benefit from physical therapy, while joint pain could be better managed with certain medications.
- Severity of Pain: How bad the pain is can also influence the treatment. Stronger medications might be used for severe pain, while milder pain may be managed with less intense treatments.
Medical History Matters
- Previous Treatments: If you’ve tried certain treatments before and they haven’t worked or have caused side effects, your doctor will likely consider other options.
- Current Health Conditions: If you have other medical issues like diabetes or heart problems, some treatments may not be safe for you.
- Medications You’re Already Taking: Some medicines don’t work well together. Your current medications will affect what else can be safely prescribed.
Emotional and Psychological Factors
- Stress Levels: High stress can make pain worse. Therapies that help reduce stress, like psychological treatments, might be recommended.
- Personal Preferences: If an individual prefers not to take medications, treatments like physical therapy or acupuncture might be considered as alternatives.
Alternative Therapies for Chronic Pain Treatment at Black Horse Health
At Black Horse Health, we understand that chronic pain is complex and often doesn’t respond to medication alone. While medication is a frequently used approach, it’s typically not the only solution.4