Despite advances in medical technology, more than 20% of adults worldwide struggle with chronic pain.
If you are one of those people, you know how debilitating chronic pain can be. More importantly, you probably want to know what types of treatment there are for treating chronic pain.
Keep reading to learn about our chronic pain treatment options and how they can be the perfect solutions for you.
1. Medications
Medications are often the primary treatment option for chronic pain. You can try analgesics such as:
- ibuprofen
- aspirin
- acetaminophen
These are generally used to reduce inflammation and pain. You can find these medications over the counter or need a prescription depending on strength. For more severe chronic pain, more potent opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine, may be prescribed.
2. Physical Therapy
It is often used as a treatment option for chronic pain. This form of therapy involves using different exercises and therapeutic techniques. It reduces pain and improve movement. Stretching and strengthening improve flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength.
3. Interventional Procedures
Interventional procedures offer a possible treatment option for chronic pain. These minimally invasive techniques are used to diagnose and treat:
- musculoskeletal
- cardiovascular
- neurological pain
Standard interventional procedures include injection-based treatments such as:
- nerve blocks
- epidural injections
- ultrasound-guided procedures for joint
- tendon
- nerve pain
It also includes image-guided medical treatments such as facet joint injections and radiofrequency ablation. These techniques are less invasive than traditional surgery. That is why recovery time is often shorter, with fewer side effects.
Commonly, interventional procedures are used to manage chronic pain. But, in some cases, you may recommend a combination of medications and psychological treatments. Interventional procedures may offer long-term relief and improved quality of life for patients.
4. Cognitive-behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment option for chronic pain. CBT uses cognitive and behavioral strategies.
Both help individuals identify and change negative thinking and behavioral patterns. These of which can contribute to pain.
It encourages individuals to become mindful of the effect of their thoughts on their experience of pain. This more insight can help them become more active in managing their pain. The techniques used include:
- guided meditation
- deep breathing
- muscle relaxation
All these can help to reduce muscle tension. It can also increase the individual’s ability to tolerate and address the pain.
Additionally, CBT helps to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. These may contribute to chronic pain.
Thereby, CBT can help individuals become more positive in managing their chronic pain. It helps to increase their belief that they can make changes and gain relief from their symptoms and quality of life.
5. Ketamine Infusion
One of the possible treatment options for chronic pain is ketamine infusion. Ketamine infusion for chronic pain is a procedure that involves the slow administration of medication into the body. It is through the vein to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
This drug, ketamine, is typically used to treat those affected by chronic pain. It is due to its pain-relieving, soothing, and antidepressant qualities. This drug works on the body’s opioid system, blocking NMDA receptor pathways.
The standard infusion is usually done in 3-5 sessions, and relief may be seen as early as 1-3 days after the first infusion.
Possible Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a debilitating and challenging condition, but there is hope! Treatment options ranging from medications and physical therapy to ketamine infusion can all help ease chronic pain. Do not suffer in silence and take action today!
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