Pain can make your
life miserable. It is an unpleasant feeling that may be experienced in any part
of the body, especially in the muscles and joints. It is an indication of
several serious underlying conditions, including psychological issues like
anxiety and depression. It is imperative to know about your pain management
options, as different pains are treated with different painkillers and methods.
Acute pain
usually occurs abruptly and subsides within a few days or week. Sub-acute pain
is referred to a pain that may persist for 6 to 12 weeks. Pain that lasts for
more than 12 weeks is called as chronic pain. Pain relief treatments range from
home care, to over-the-counter or prescription medicines, to invasive surgical
interventions. Each person’s pain may vary, so it is important to diagnose the
underlying condition.
Why pain is experienced?
Usually, pain is
associated with the nervous system response. Prostaglandin, a chemical-like
hormone is known to produce pain, which is often secreted when there is an
inflammation. Another type of pain is neuropathic pain, which is related to
nerves, such as shingles, carpel-tunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy and
scarring. It is essential to identify the exact source of pain to find an
effective pain relief medicine.
You need to
consult your doctor if you experience pain for more than three weeks. Living
with chronic pain is challenging; there are various medical interventions that
can help treat pain effectively. It is essential to manage chronic pain,
because it hampers the ability to perform daily activities.
Pain
Relief Medications
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – These medicines reduce inflammation by ceasing the secretion of prostaglandin. They are quite helpful in musculoskeletal pain and rheumatic disorders like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Acetaminophen – It is a type of painkiller that reduces pain by stopping the signal to the brain. Paracetamol is a commonly used acetaminophen.
- Narcotics – Opiod drugs like morphine and codeine are prescribed when the pain is related to central nervous system.
Others – Antidepressants, anti-epileptic medicines,
sedatives and muscles relaxants are prescribed in selective cases.
Other pain relieving methods are physical therapy, heat
therapy, massage therapy, deep breathing and relaxation techniques.
