If you are like most people, you have experienced pain at some point in your life. However, if you experience chronic pain, you understand its debilitating effects on your life. Your pain may prevent you from participating in everyday activities, causing you to be isolated from your friends and family members. However, you can get your life back by pursuing a plan for pain management Orange Park FL.
Pain Management Defined
Pain management involves identifying the root cause of your pain and treating it with a variety of treatments. You will undergo a comprehensive evaluation of your health and pain as your pain specialist diagnoses your pain and its cause. You may see several types of medical professionals during your diagnostic and treatment process, such as a psychologist, neurologist or anesthesiologist.
First Appointment
Your physician should also ask how your life has changed since your pain started and the level of pain you deal with on a typical day. They should discuss your current pain management practices, including any over-the-counter drugs you are taking or exercise programs you have adopted. Their goal is to learn about your previous treatments and how well they have worked.
Pain Management Treatments
When most people think about pain management, they think about opioids or muscle relaxants. If you have been treated for any length of time, you may also have tried anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids as well. However, these treatments should be last-resort options.
A great pain management treatment will start with alternative treatments, such as physical therapy, massage, relaxation strategies and even acupuncture or dry needle treatments. They may also include heat therapy, which has been proven by the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association to decrease muscle spasms and pain.
Your pain management plan should also include lifestyle changes. For example, regular exercise builds muscles that can more effectively reduce your pain. Modifying your diet and exercise plan may also be included in your pain plan. If you have habits that endanger your health, such as smoking and drinking, or regularly participate in physical activities that exacerbate your pain or injuries, such as bowling or heavy lifting, your doctor may suggest that you take a break from these activities while you heal.
Pain Management Contracts
If you are prescribed opioid medications to manage your chronic pain, you may be asked to enter into a pain contract. When you sign the agreement, you agree to only take the medicine as it is prescribed, submit to drug testing, only see your doctor and only work with one pharmacy. Your medication will not be replaced if it is lost or stolen.
Living with pain is not living. Consider working with a pain specialist and getting your life back.
