The Difference Between Pain Management and Pain Medicine

Pain brings people to the doctor more often than any other symptom. People will suffer in silence for fear of what they may discover from a physician, but pain is something we cannot ignore. If you are experiencing intense or chronic pain, you are likely worried about the diagnosis. You may also be concerned about the treatments your doctor recommends and if they will work to alleviate your pain. 

At PPOA, we see many patients who have been upset by constant trips to other specialists with no end or cure. They deal with pain day in and day out and are typically only given medications to ease it. Unfortunately, while drugs may work temporarily, they come with many other side effects that can impact your quality of life and ability to function normally. 

A more holistic approach may be suitable if you’re looking for an alternative to pain medicine for chronic or acute pain. 

Traditional Pain Medicine vs. Holistic Pain Management

Most doctors treat pain with medications because it is the most straightforward treatment and is typically immediately effective. They prescribe an opioid or over-the-counter painkiller, and the patient is satisfied with immediate and total relief. However, this form of treatment doesn’t make the source of the pain go away. Instead, the symptom is simply masked while the underlying condition continues to get worse. 

Natural pain medicines like medical marijuana or cold and heat therapies don’t provide lasting relief. They may temporarily relieve pain but don’t help the body become stronger and healthier. That is why we limit the use of pain medicine as a transitional treatment until a more permanent solution can be found. 

PPOA takes a more holistic approach to pain management by implementing various techniques and treatments to attack pain at its source. We help your body heal by using injections, physical therapy, and medical treatments such as surgery. This treatment method may seem more invasive, but the results are sustainable and can eliminate the reliance on pain medicine from your life. 

Is Holistic Pain Management Right for All Patients?

We don’t want to paint painkillers as a lousy treatment for pain because physicians and patients often use them wisely. Medication can help you weather the storm and suffer less while your body is healing for minor injuries, surgical recovery, and other acute primary treatment. However, if the root cause of the pain is not being addressed, medications are not a long-lasting solution. 

Pain medicine that isn’t over-the-counter can also be problematic for those recovering from drug or alcohol addictions. Many patients in recovery will avoid them voluntarily, even if their physician recommends them. However, drugs should never be withheld for these reasons, as stronger pain medications can make a recovery from major injuries or surgeries much easier and more successful for the patient. 

Pain management is a personal journey that each patient must take with their physician, and we believe using all available options is best. While medications may work for you in the short term, you can and should explore other options to give yourself the best chance of recovery. 

The End Goal of Holistic Pain Management

Unlike medications to treat pain, pain management practices aim to cure rather than mask it. If you are interested in a holistic, long-term approach to pain care, contact your local PPOA clinic today to learn about your options.