4 Elements of a Pain Management Program

If you or your loved one has acute or chronic pain, you can visit a clinic for assessment and treatment. To help you manage and reduce the soreness, a physician will ask about your symptoms and recommend customized solutions. Here is more information about the elements of pain management services:

1. Injections

Individuals with acute and chronic soreness will benefit from pain management services, such as injections to reduce pain. To treat back and neck pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves, a doctor administers steroid injections, which deliver anti-inflammatory benefits. For severe spine swelling and pain due to arthritis or joint inflammation, facet injections alleviate pressure on nerve roots. If the injections provide relief, it helps a doctor know that facet joints are causing the pain. Injections are beneficial to you and your loved ones when the pain is serious and doesn’t improve after using medications or performing regular physical therapy.

2. Nerve Stimulation

For patients with severe soreness, nerve stimulation can be a reliable method for reducing symptoms. This remedy involves implanting a small device that sends low-level electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interfere with pain signals. To test if the procedure will work well, some clinics offer a trial period so that you can experience the benefits first. During this process, your doctor determines if the treatment is effective or if you need another form of therapy. Placed near the peripheral nerve or spinal cord, this device benefits people battling leg pain, nerve soreness, and post-surgical discomfort.

3. Medications

Before recommending the right medication, your doctor asks how long you’ve had the symptoms and if they’re worsening. If you’re dealing with mild pain from muscle aches, arthritis, or minor injuries, your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. For more severe or chronic soreness, doctors prescribe pain medications that reduce tension and swelling. Topical treatments can be used for nerve pain and arthritis and can be applied to painful areas of your body. This type of medication blocks nerve signals in the affected area, helping relieve aches. While medication is a beneficial tool for temporary pain relief, doctors should also seek other, more permanent solutions to your discomfort.

4. Physical Therapy

If you have mild to moderate pain, a physical therapist may recommend stretches that help loosen stiff muscles and increase flexibility. To support joints and reduce pressure on painful areas, a professional may suggest you do strengthening exercises. Medical professionals will monitor your exercises to verify you are performing them properly and that they do not make your pain worse. This therapy type is suitable for individuals seeking a non-invasive solution to their discomfort. Physical therapy used in conjunction with medications or injections may provide the best results.

Get Quality Pain Management Services

Whether you have mild or more serious soreness, a doctor can diagnose the cause of the discomfort and recommend treatment. Some care providers combine different remedies like injections and physical therapy to help you experience relief. To learn more about a pain management program that suits you, call a trusted clinic today.