Posted by Pain is divided into different types based on its source. Some of these types are induced by nerve damage or tissue damage, while psychological factors trigger other types of pain. Physically induced pain is usually nociceptive pain and is often referred to as neuropathic pain. Psychogenic pain is different, as it is caused by psychological factors, which may, in some cases, increase the intensity and duration of the pain.
1. Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that results from a malfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. Neuropathic pain can be classified into three major categories: central neuropathic pain, peripheral neuropathic pain, and mixed neuropathic pain. Medical treatment for neuropathic pain focuses on determining the underlying cause and relieving pain.
Neuropathic pain is often diagnosed with a combination of history, physical exam, and special laboratory tests. Interventional treatments include spinal cord stimulation, neural blockade, intrathecal medication, and neurosurgical interventions. These approaches can help distinguish neuropathic pain from other disorders and tailor neuropathic treatment for each patient.
Neuropathic pain is typically related to mechanical instability of the spine or muscle spasms. One type of neuropathic pain involves the dermatomal pattern of an injury. The other type is more diffused and originates at a site below the level of injury.
2. Psychogenic Pain
Psychogenic pain is a type of pain that does not have any underlying physical cause. It often does not respond to traditional painkillers, which are meant to treat physical problems. However, there are a number of nonpharmaceutical treatments available for psychogenic pain, including ketamine therapy. Ketamine is a general anesthetic that is injected directly into the bloodstream, and helps to rewire the brain and create new neural pathways that do not include the pain.
Psychogenic pain can be difficult to diagnose. Most physicians will first look for physical causes, including disease or joint damage. Only when these causes are ruled out can the patient’s condition be diagnosed as psychogenic pain. Some symptoms of psychogenic pain may include headaches, muscle aches, back pain, and abdominal pain. A pain management doctor may also have to check for physical conditions, such as tumors or TMJ disorder.
3. Visceral Pain
Visceral pain is common and can be an early sign of a serious medical condition. It can also persist as you recover from an illness or surgery. If you have experienced a new onset of visceral pain, you should seek medical attention immediately. If your pain continues or worsens, you may need to consider medication. If your pain is a symptom of a chronic condition, you should discuss your symptoms with your pain management doctor.
The cause of visceral pain is unknown, but it is often related to disorders of the digestive system or gastrointestinal tract. The most common sites are the stomach and intestines. However, it can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints.
Chronic Pain Treatment Options
As there are different types of pain, there are also different treatment options. There are several types of treatment for long-term pain. These include NSAIDs, acetaminophen, COX-2 inhibitors, and mind-body therapies. A pain management clinic is a special care center for patients with chronic or intractable pain. They offer inpatient and outpatient treatments.
1. NSAIDs
For mild to moderate pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help control your symptoms. These medications are widely available over the counter and don’t require a prescription. They can be effective for nerve pain relief, especially if you use them regularly. Most people can tolerate these medications without any adverse side effects. It’s always better to start treatment early rather than wait until your pain is very severe or unbearable.
NSAIDs are often prescribed for inflammatory conditions, including headaches and arthritis. They are inexpensive and effective at reducing pain. However, they also carry some serious side effects, including heart attack and kidney damage, especially if used long-term. The FDA has taken steps to make consumers aware of the risks of using NSAIDs.
NSAIDs come in a variety of formulations. One of the most common types is ibuprofen, which is derived from propionic acid. Another type of NSAID is celecoxib, which is more gentle on the stomach. Celecoxib is also used to treat peptic ulcers. However, celecoxib can lead to kidney damage and should not be taken by pregnant women or people who are nursing.
NSAIDs are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart condition, or a history of stroke or heart attack. The risks of taking NSAIDs are higher in older adults. They can also lead to ulcers and intestinal bleeding. For these reasons, NSAIDs are not the first choice for treating pain. Instead, a pain management doctor may recommend a natural treatment for your condition.
NSAIDs are often prescribed as over-the-counter medications. You can buy acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and ketoprofen over the counter. These OTC medications are usually effective for many different types of pain.
2. Acetaminophen
If you are taking acetaminophen for chronic pain, you should know that it can cause serious side effects. These include skin rashes, redness, or blisters. These signs should prompt you to seek medical advice. You should also stop taking the medication if the pain or fever persists for more than ten days or if new symptoms develop. In addition, it is important to note that you should not take acetaminophen while pregnant or breastfeeding, as this can cause unintended adverse effects to your baby.
Acetaminophen is often used to treat fever and pain. However, it has a limited pain control effect and does not provide additional benefits beyond the recommended dosage. In addition, a higher dose can result in severe side effects. Acetaminophen is often the first drug prescribed for mild to moderate pain, and it is often combined with opioids to treat severe pain.
Acetaminophen can also be used to treat cough and cold symptoms. You can purchase it in a tablet, chewable tablet, and solution. In some cases, you can even get an extended-release version that works over 12 hours. As with any medicine, make sure you read the directions carefully and speak with your pain management doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. If you are pregnant, discussing your pregnancy and breastfeeding with your doctor before taking acetaminophen is important.
Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug that is used to relieve pain and fever. It works by affecting the brain’s pain receptors and cooling the body. It is the most common pain medication available in the US. Tylonel and other drugs like it are in the acetaminophen family. It is also used in conjunction with prescription pain relievers and is commonly included in several over-the-counter combination drugs.
3. COX-2 Inhibitors
One of the latest trends in the treatment of chronic pain is the use of COX-2 inhibitors. These medications are effective at reducing inflammation and pain. However, they have some drawbacks. They increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, and they can cause stomach and intestinal problems. These complications can be life-threatening. Because of this, it is important to consult a pain management clinic for the right treatment option for your pain.
Some people have experienced serious side effects when taking COX-2 inhibitors. These include potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. The drug is not recommended for use in infants and children younger than two years. It should also not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
COX-2 inhibitors are more expensive than traditional NSAIDs. Because of their high cost, they should only be used when there is a clear clinical benefit. However, COX-2 inhibitors can reduce prescription drug costs. These drugs should only be prescribed after determining the best treatment for nerve pain relief.
Parecoxib is the first investigational COX-2 inhibitor. In a study, it was found to be more effective in controlling pain than morphine. It was also comparable to the drug ketorolac. The study was presented at the 19th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society.
The only brand-name selective COX-2 inhibitor available in the United States is Celebrex, which is also available in generic form. The brand-name drug Vioxx was recalled in 2004 because of its cardiovascular risks. In addition, Bextra was withdrawn from the US and European Union markets in April 2005. Make sure to consult a physician before opting for COX-2 inhibitors and only take them exactly as prescribed.
4. Mind-Body Therapies
Incorporating mind-body interventions in pain management may be an effective way to improve overall pain management. These interventions are often tailored to a patient’s particular pain syndromes and focus on a patient’s overall wellness. For instance, techniques such as breathing techniques, relaxation training, and yoga for lower back pain relief have shown promising results in clinical trials. A randomized controlled trial involving 101 patients showed that these interventions significantly improved pain reduction compared with a control group of participants who did not receive treatment.
Studies have also demonstrated that these techniques may help promote overall health and fight disease. For example, a study by Dr. David Spiegel in 1989 compared 86 women with breast cancer who were treated with standard medical care with those who attended a weekly support group. The women who attended the support group lived about twice as long as those who did not, and reported higher quality lives during that time.
Recent research has examined the effectiveness of mind-body interventions in opioid-treated chronic pain. Researchers found that certain techniques can reduce pain and reduce opioid intake. These findings are important for both patients and medical professionals. The study’s lead author, Eric Garland, is an associate dean of the College of Social Work and the director of the University of Utah Center on Mind-Body Therapies and Integrative Health Intervention Development.
In addition to mind-body techniques, studies have also investigated the impact of other neuropathic treatment techniques. Biofeedback, for example, has been used in migraine headaches. Other techniques, such as guided imagery, may also affect pain.
5. Physical Therapy
One of the most common types of pain treatment is physical therapy. Physical therapists focus on restoring movement and strength to an affected area, to return function to the pre-injury level. They can also help you identify factors that cause chronic pain. These factors can include faulty movement patterns and muscle weakness, which block normal motion. A physical therapist can also help you identify past injuries and events that contributed to the pain. In addition, they may help you better manage your pain through gentle exercises.
A physical therapist will begin the treatment process by taking a detailed health history and examining your body. The therapist will perform tests to assess your strength, flexibility, balance, and other symptoms. The therapist will also check for symptoms, such as unusual warmth or numbness.
Chronic pain can cause nerves to become sensitive and cause the body to send an alarm, triggering pain processing. A physical therapist can help lower the sensitivity of these nerves to help you avoid painful experiences and injuries in the future. Physical therapy can also be used with medications for long-term pain.
For lower back pain relief, physical therapists focus on reducing pain and restoring movement. They may use techniques like manipulation, ultrasound, or dry needling. They will also prescribe assistive devices. A splint may help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, while a brace can protect your knee after an injury.
Physical therapists teach you how to move correctly and exercise appropriately. They may also show you how to use assistive devices properly. A pain management clinic will design a personalized treatment plan based on the cause of your pain. The treatment plan may include a combination of exercises to be done at home or between therapy sessions. Those exercises may make you feel sore, but they will activate muscles that are otherwise weakened, leading to long-term recovery.
AUTHOR BIO
John Harder the lead marketing manager for Collegedale Physical Medicine, a fully integrated medical practice and massage therapy center in Ooltewah, TN, specializing in diagnosing and treating chronic pain and other related conditions. She is dedicated to helping every patient achieve a pain-free and better-quality life through specialized pain relief massage therapy.