Are Pain Management Techniques Good For All?
Discussions of pain management options are common for those suffering with chronic pain. Pain management refers to the medical practices surrounding the techniques of decreasing pain symptoms. These symptoms may stem from neurological issues or post operative pain and are unique to each person.
As a general rule, a pain management team involves three providers. The first provider coordinates the efforts to aid the patient in treating the pain condition. Next is the physical rehabitation specialist which will implement the treatment regime specified for the person receiving therapy. Since it is normal for an individual dealing with pain to have anxiety and depression, a psychiatrist will also take part in the care.
When addressing pain management, there are three basic forms of treatment available.
Non-drug pain management is a therapy approach which veers away from the use of analgesics or other medications. This form of treatment employs the use of alternative methods such as acupuncture, yoga, and therapeutic massage. The philosophy associated with this type of treatment depends upon a self healing by understanding the pain approach by the individual.
Medication for pain management utilizes a plethora of pharmacological substances in the effort to decrease the pain a person is dealing with. To achieve this goal a provider uses a combination of four types of medication. Cox-2 inhibitors are used for muscular and skeletal pain; opiates to block the receptors responsible for the pain sensation; anti-depressants to prevent the depression associated with chronic pain; and medical marijuana to limit the perception of pain and assist the individual in sleep.
The last choice is invasive pain management which prescribes injections and surgeries as a method to control the pain. The injections used for pain management are placed into soft tissue, joints or nerves in an effort to block the pain sensation. The surgical options vary by the condition but commonly include a spinal procedure. This alternative is usually a last resort when other therapies have failed.