Make Pain a Thing of the Past – pain – Physician Partners of America

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The Facts About Cluster Headaches

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Headaches are a common ailment, but they can be quite debilitating. A bad headache can make it hard to do your job, drive your kids around or simply get through your day.

If one headache can cause such a disruption, a series of them can be even more difficult to deal with. If you get intense headaches that seem to come in a pattern, you may be dealing with cluster headaches.

What are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches are recurring headaches that may come around each day on a weekly or even monthly basis. The pain of the headaches is often intense and may occur on one side of your head or near one of your eyes.

How Often do Cluster Headaches Occur?

The frequency of cluster headaches may vary. The clusters may hit for only a week or may continue for months. When the clusters pass, you may have months or possibly years of peace before they return.

Some people may experience cluster headaches on a seasonal basis, so it can be easy to mistake them for allergy-relatedheadaches if you are unfamiliar with them.

While the cluster period is going on, the headaches tend to take place each day, sometimes more than once a day. The headaches frequently happen at the same time of the day, often at night when you are in bed.

What are the Symptoms of Cluster Headaches?

Here are some of the symptoms that may accompany cluster headaches:

  • Intense pain, typically located near one eye, though they could impact other parts of your head, face, shoulders or neck
  • Teary eyes
  • Droopy eyelid
  • Red eyes on the side of a headache
  • Swollen eyes on the side of a headache
  • Feeling restless
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Flushed or pale face
  • Some sweating

What Causes Cluster Headaches?

Though the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, the nerves near your eye are believed to be a factor. That is why the pain is sometimes located near your eyes.

Men may be more likely to get these headaches. Though they may occur at any age, people usually get them between 20 and 50 years old.

Can Cluster Headaches Switch Sides?

Yes, it is possible for headaches to switch from one side of your head to another, though they tend to take place on one side most of the time.

What Happens After the Cluster Headaches Pass?

The pain may pass as quickly as it began. Though the pain should go away, it may leave you feeling really tired. These headaches can be an exhausting experience.

How are Cluster Headaches Treated?

Unless you plan on waiting until the cluster headaches pass, you should go to the doctor for treatment options. There are a number of possible treatments, from oxygen or local anesthetics to dihydroergotamine or triptans.

If you frequently suffer from headaches, your doctor can also help you with a preventative treatment option to help keep the headaches at bay.

Surgery is sometimes an option in extreme situations if other treatments are not working, though this is rare.

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The Hidden Costs of Dealing with Pain

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Pain management impacts millions of Americans each year and costs the national economy billions of dollars. This is because chronic pain costs more than just the cost of medical care.

The hidden costs of chronic pain can impact the economy of the entire country because it has such massive impacts on individuals. If you or someone in your family is going through ongoing pain, here are some of the hidden costs that you may experience:

Difficulty Working

For someone going through chronic pain problems, working can be very difficult, no matter what you do for a living. If you work in job where you have to sit most of the day, you could aggravate your pain. If you work a very physical job, that could also make pain more intense.

Depending on the source of your pain, it could be difficult to concentrate at work and perform your best. Headaches, for example, can be very hard to ignore when you are trying to work.

These difficulties can lead to serious costs. If your pain causes you to need to miss work and take sick days, that can cost both you and your company money. If the pain continues to get negatively impact your work, you run the risk of losing your job, which can lead to a number of monetary issues.

Potential Disability

Pain problems are the leading cause of disability for American adults, according to the American Chronic Pain Association. When pain reaches the point of becoming a disability, there can be a number of potential costs that come along, both for the individual and society.

If a pain-related disability leaves you unable to work, costs can quickly begin to add up. Not only will you need to pay for your medical expenses, but all of the other areas of your life as well. Even if you are able to collect disability, you are likely to have to keep costs down to make it all work out.

Trouble Enjoying Activities

Though the financial costs of chronic pain can be numerous, perhaps the most debilitating cost of all is the personal cost. When you are constantly in pain, it can make it difficult to enjoy your family, friends and hobbies.

There is no dollar amount that can make up for missing memories because you are in pain. You deserve to enjoy your life without the constant struggle of pain holding you back.

Invest in the Right Medical Treatment

With all of the costs that chronic pain can bring about, it can be overwhelming. However, your focus should be on getting better. Though there are costs associated with chronic pain treatment, getting help now can help lessen the expenses you will pay down the road.

Putting off medical treatment is not a good idea. Consider the costs of medical care as an investment in your future. You want to get your pain under control so it does not impact your ability to earn income or enjoy your life.
If you wait to get help, the pain may get worse. Treatment now can actually save you money later.

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The Facts About Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is something that impacts millions of people each year. The University of Maryland Medical Center estimates that 60 to 80% of American adults experience lower back pain.

Back pain is the top cause of disability for Americans who are 45 years old and younger. It sends millions of people to the doctor each year and some of them end up with permanent damage.

With so many people going through lower back pain, it is important to understand some facts about the subject. Here are some things you should know:

Lower Back Pain Symptoms May Vary

Not all lower back pain has the same signs and symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of lower back problems include:

  • Lower back stiffness
  • A tender feeling in the lower back
  • Pain that moves to the legs or buttocks
  • Difficulty getting up or standing still for extended periods of time
  • Inability to get in a comfortable position while sitting
  • Pain or weakness in the lower back or legs while walking

Causes of Lower Back Pain Aren’t Always Obvious

Sometimes lower back pain is the result of something specific, like a car accident or an injury. However, there are also times when it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of your lower back pain.

It can sometimes get injured without you realizing it, a twist or strain that you may not notice right away. Other times it could be due to a disk injury, like a bulging disk or a ruptured disk. Lower back pain can be caused by arthritis or osteoporosis.

Tense muscles can be a factor of lower back pain. Kidney stones may cause lower back pain. For women, endometriosis or pregnancy could cause lower back pain. At times, lower back pain could even be a symptom of something more serious, like a tumor or an infection.

There are so many potential causes of lower back pain. This is why consulting a doctor when you have lower back pain can help you determine the exact cause and best treatment.

There are Certain Risk Factors for Lower Back Pain

Though lower back pain could happen to anyone, there are some people who may be more likely than others to have lower back pain. For example, women may be more likely than men to have lower back issues

Some risk factors for lower back pain include:

  • Older age
  • A family history of back pain,
  • Being a smoker
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Anxiety or depression
  • A physical job or lifestyle
  • A job or lifestyle that is sedentary

There are Plenty of Lower Back Pain Treatment Options

With so many potential causes of lower back pain, the right treatment can vary. Sometimes lower back pain can get better by simply improving your overall health. Strengthening your back with exercise and eating healthy may make your back pain improve. Sitting in a chair with proper back support can also help.

When the cause of your lower back pain is something more serious, it may require more in-depth treatment. This might include medication, physical therapy or even surgery.

Talk to a medical professional to figure out what the right treatment is for you.

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Possible Causes of Upper Abdominal Pain

When you are experiencing upper abdominal pain, it can definitely be frustrating to deal with. Part of that frustration is that you may not know right away what is causing the pain, which makes it more difficult to treat the pain and make it go away.

A medical professional can diagnose and treat your upper abdominal pain, but here are some of the possible causes:

Temporary Problems

Not all of the potential causes of upper abdominal pain are serious issues. Sometimes you might be dealing with something as simple as indigestion or gas. The pain in your upper abdomen could even be due to something like a pulled muscle or similar strain.

Keep an eye on when your symptoms begin, wherein your upper abdomen they are located and the specific sort of pain that you are experiencing. If it is a temporary issue like one of the ones listed above, you likely will be able to get better without much difficulty. Your medical professional can offer advice and medicine as needed if the pain continues.

Stomach or Esophagus Problems

Your upper abdominal pain could be caused by an issue in your stomach or esophagus. These issues could include:

  • Ulcers
  • Gastritis
  • Heartburn
  • Hiatal hernia
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Some things to keep in mind before you talk to your medical professional are whether or not certain foods make your pain feel worse or if the pain is more intense when you are laying down.

Gallbladder or Liver Problems

Pain in your upper abdomen could also be attributed to an issue in your gallbladder or liver. These problems could include:

  • Liver abscess
  • Gallstones
  • Hepatitis
  • Ascending cholangitis

Again, it will be easier for your doctor to figure out the exact source of the pain if you provide the necessary information. Some issues could be caused by lifestyle, like cirrhosis of the liver due to prolonged alcohol use.

Other Upper Abdominal Problems

There are also a number of intestinal issues that could be the cause of your upper abdominal pain. It could be due to an infection or an inflammatory situation. Or it could be due to a problem like:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Celiac disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Kidney stones

There are also some serious diseases that have the potential to cause upper abdominal pain, like certain cancers. This is why you should always get medical help to make sure you find out the exact cause of your pain and the appropriate treatment.

Treating Your Upper Abdominal Pain

No matter what the cause, it is important to consult with a medical professional to get your official diagnosis and treatment plan. If your symptoms come on suddenly and are severe, you should get to the doctor right away. Those symptoms could include vomiting blood, inability to have bowel movements, difficulty breathing, bloody stools, a rigid abdomen or any other severe pain.
Pay attention to your body and talk to your doctor about the specifics of your abdominal pain. You will get a treatment plan that works and peace of mind.

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Why You May be Experiencing Right Side Abdominal Pain

Your abdomen is home to a number of important organs. Since your abdomen has so many vital parts, right side abdominal pain could be caused by a number of different conditions. ailments, depending on the location of your pain.

If you have severe abdominal pain,especially on the right side, it’s a good idea to consult a physician and rule out causes that need immediate attention, such as appendicitis, an ectopic pregnancy, ulcer or kidney stones. Because there are multiple possibilities, such as constipation pain on the right side and gas, take note of your specific symptoms, the type of pain, how often you feel it and exactly where it occurs.

Common Causes of Right Side Abdominal Pain

Here are some of the many reasons you might experience belly pain on the right side:

  • Appendicitis
  • Constipation
  • Gallstones
  • Gas
  • Hernia
  • Indigestion
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Kidney infection
  • Kidney stones
  • Stomach Ulcer

Constipation

Sometimes the cause of your right side abdomen pain is simple constipation. This is when you are having a difficult time moving your bowels due to hardened feces, and it happens to everyone. Aside from belly discomfort, including right side abdominal pain, constipation has other symptoms you should watch for:

  • Having fewer than three bowel movements in a week
  • Producing stools that are hard or lumpy
  • Feeling like you cannot get all of your stool out
  • A blocked feeling in your rectum

Fortunately, constipation is usually treatable with over-the-counter medication. If your constipation continues or you have pain in the right side after pooping, you may need to see your doctor for additional treatment. Right side pain before pooping can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome.

Stomach Ulcer

A stomach ulcer occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes damaged from acid and causes sores. This can also inflame the esophagus or small intestine. When the small intestine is involved, it is called a peptic ulcer and can cause right side abdominal pain.

Other signs of a stomach ulcer may include:

  • Chest pain
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Indigestion
  • Heartburn
  • Gas
  • Bloody vomit
  • Dark, tarry stools

Treatments for stomach ulcers could include antacids and antibiotics. In a few cases, Other options may include additional medical procedures if your doctor deems it necessary..

Gallstones

Gallstones are caused when the gallbladder forms small, hard deposits of digestive fluid. The deposits cause the gallstones and the gallstones can cause you discomfort. Because the gallbladder is located on the tight upper abdomen, it can cause pain in that area.

Other common signs of gallstones include:

  • Back pain
  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion

If you have gallstones with symptoms, check with your doctor. Treatment varies from medication taken to dissolve them or surgery to remove your gallbladder (cholecystectomy).

Appendicitis

If your appendix becomes inflamed, it causes appendicitis. This appendage is located where the small and large intestines meet, on the right side of the body, and therefore causes right side abdominal pain. It is important to know the signs of appendicitis because it can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Some potential symptoms of appendicitis are:

  • Pain by your navel
  • Sharp pain moving to your lower right abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Bloating
  • Fever
  • Gas with diarrhea or constipation

Appendicitis could cause your appendix to burst, which can be fatal. Treatment ranges from antibiotics to appendectomy, which is surgery to remove your appendix. Talk to your doctor right away if you feel pain in the upper right abdomen or other sharp pain on the right side.

Right-Side Pain that Comes and Goes

While appendicitis pain tends to steadily increase, intermittent pain in the upper right abdomen can be a sign of many conditions including kidney stones or infection,liver problems, irritable bowel syndrome, female reproductive issues or hernia. The discomfort can also be caused by gas, which can get trapped inside the intestines at any point and will resolve after a bowel movement.

What to Keep in Mind with Right Side Abdominal Pain

These are just some of the potential causes of pain on the right side of the abdomen. Doctors are trained to look at five factors when diagnosing the cause of pain in the abdomen: what is the patient doing before or during the pain, where is the discomfort located, how severe it is, and medical history. Since there are so many potential options, professional medical help is the only way to know for sure what you are facing.

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Possible Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain

Lower abdominal pain can mean a lot of different things, from common ailments to more serious diseases. The cause of your pain might be something minor that could go away on its own, or it could be something that requires medical attention and treatment.

Since there are a number of different organs in your lower abdomen, there are a variety of things that could be at the root of your pain. Here are some of the potential causes of your lower abdominal pain:

Appendicitis

Your appendix is located in the lower right quadrant of your abdomen. When it becomes inflamed, it causes appendicitis. Some of the signs to look out for include:

  • Pain near your navel that sharpens as it moves to the lower right side of your abdomen
  • Feeling nauseous or vomiting
  • Appetite loss
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Fever
  • Gas with diarrhea or constipation

Appendicitis can be serious, even potentially fatal if untreated, so don’t ignore the warning signs.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Pain in your lower abdomen could be due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a disorder that impact your colon. Some of the potential signs for IBS may include:

Keep in mind that IBS is a chronic condition, so long-term treatment may be needed.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

There are a number of inflammatory bowel diseases that could cause pain in your lower abdomen, including colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Some symptoms of colitis include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Cramps
  • Diarrhea with blood
  • An urgent feeling like you need a bowel movement
  • Nausea
  • Losing weight
  • Vomiting

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease could include:

  • Consistent abdominal pain
  • Losing weight
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever may occur
  • Sometimes you might have blood in your stools

These particular inflammatory bowel diseases are more common in people under the age of 30, though they can occur in older people as well.

Urinary Issues

Problems in the urinary system could be the cause of your lower abdominal pain. Though there are a number of potential urinary issues that could be at fault, the most common is a urinary tract infection (UTI). The signs of a UTI could include:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • A frequent pressure that makes you feel like you need to urinate, though not much urine comes out
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or back
  • Pressure in the lower abdomen or back
  • Urine that looks cloudy, bloody or dark or urine that smells strange
  • Tired or shaky feeling
  • Fever or chills

Though UTIs are common and easy to treat, you should seek medical attention right away, especially if you have a fever. UTIs can cause kidney damage, which can be very serious.

Next Steps When You Have Lower Abdomen Pain

Though some of the causes of lower abdominal pain are easy to treat, it is important to seek medical help right away so that it doesn’t lead to something worse. Your medical professional will be able to determine what is causing your pain and what you need to do to heal. Treatment will help you feel better sooner and lessen the risk of complications.

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Things You Shouldn’t Do When Managing Chronic Back Pain

Chronic pain conditions affect more than 116 million Americans daily, and costs Americans $560 to $635 billion, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine. Chronic back pain is a common and constant struggle for many Americans. Unfortunately, many people who suffer from it are not managing their pain effectively.

Avoid these common mistakes when creating pain management plan for your chronic and persistent back pain.

Don’t avoid the doctor

Your doctor can be the keystone in managing your chronic back pain. Your general physician can also refer you to a pain specialist that can assist in finding the root cause of your pain. Staying proactive instead of reactive is important in managing your day to day pain and can greatly increase your quality of life. Trying to handle chronic and persistent pain through self-medication can lead to feeling hopeless and alone.Reach out to your physician they want to help you create a plan.

Don’t rely solely on pain medication

Pain medications can be an important part of a pain management plan. They cannot, however, be the entire plan. Taking pain medicine daily without other methods of pain management (such as massage, counseling, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, yoga, physician designed stretching, etc.) is like putting a band-aid on an infected cut each day. Sure it helps some, but you aren’t really solving the problem. This is only a temporary solution. Work with your doctor to create long-term pain management goals that include eliminating or reducing the use of pain medication.

Don’t explore only one option or opinion

If you don’t do your homework prior to visiting your physician it is going to be hard for you to remain an active stakeholder in your health. Research multiple solutions and pain management techniques to discuss with your doctor. When you do your homework, you will have a more clear vision of what you want your pain management plan to look like. Your doctor can work with you and provide options more fit to your plan.

Don’t hold on to unrealistic expectations

This mistake is easy to make and it can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. It is important when managing chronic daily pain to stay positive. However, if you are holding on to the idea that you will be ‘cured’ of pain with no remaining symptoms you will almost always be disappointed. For some, the pain never fully subsides. A pain management plan is just that- a plan to manage the pain not cure it completely. It will be a living breathing plan that will naturally change as your body and pain changes. Be realistic and ask your physician to help you manage your expectations by setting realistic goals with you.

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What Physicians and Patients need to know about Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Pain Management and PDMPs

Safe and lawful prescribing of pharmaceuticals are the aim of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). However, a delicate balance must be struck. Learn more here.

What are PDMPs?

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) attempt to ensure the safe and lawful prescribing of pharmaceuticals through networked databases of physician practices, hospital systems and pharmacies that allow for automated controls on how controlled substances are prescribed to patients.

Typically these systems are implemented and maintained at the state-level, with 49 U.S. States, the District of Columbia and Guam currently operating PDMPs.

A key function of these systems is to combat issues surrounding the misuse of opioids. While proven an effective therapy for managing chronic pain, opioids have addictive properties and can be dangerous in large quantities, or when mixed with certain kinds of medication.

Benefits of PDMPs

As PDMPs become more ubiquitous throughout the U.S., and data comes in, encouraging statistics have emerged. According to the CDC, in Florida, opioid-related deaths fell 50% from 2010 to 2012, when pain clinic regulations and the establishment of a PDMP was put in place. The CDC also reported a 75% decrease in doctor shopping (seeking multiple prescriptions for opioids from different doctors) from 2012 to 2013, when New York began requiring prescribers to check the PDMP before writing painkiller prescriptions.

Major benefits of PDMPs include:

  • Reduction in overprescription of opioids
  • Reduction in doctor shopping
  • Avoid harmful drug interactions
  • Reduction in fraudulent prescriptions
  • Improved quality of care
  • Enhanced treatment and intervention for patients with or developing dependencies
  • Increased confidence in prescribing painkillers
  • Capturing geographic trends and other data points to improve population health

Concerns Among Physicians and Patients

With any disruptive integration of technology in medicine there are drawbacks, especially where there are potential legal consequences at stake. Physicians are becoming wary of being identified as over prescribers of opioid medicine, and may withdraw from using the therapy where it has a legitimate use. This is also known as “the chilling effect” which can lead to patients being underserved, or receiving alternative treatments that could have greater side-effects or are less effective. This is especially true of pain management providers who specialize in such therapies, and are relatively high prescribers of opioids.

Some other  potential drawbacks PDMPs pose are:

  • Fear of undue legal scrutiny for patients and physicians
  • Less effective pain management therapies
  • Reduction in precision care/increase in inadequate care
  • The wrongful identification of addicts or “pseudo-addicts”
  • Privacy concerns
  • Wrongful categorization as fraudulent prescribers
  • Increased time demands for physicians
  • Lack of ability to illegal drug use, such as heroin

What Pain Management Care Providers Need to Know

Because there is no accurate way to measure pain, other than what is reported from patients, physicians must rely on radiology, historical information, laboratory tests, and physical examination to make a judgment on the appropriate treatment.

This presents a fine line that pain management care providers must walk.

There is an element of accuracy that PDMPs can provide in determining the most effective intervention for either pain management or drug dependency by using their data. However, addiction from illicit drug use and dependence due to pain management can require different methods of intervention and treatment. Addiction treatments are currently largely geared more towards illicit drug users. This presents a challenge in striking an effective balance of curbing risks of drug dependency while not reducing effective pain treatment.

Being a part of a network can help alleviate some of the time and effort needed to navigate this complicated balance. PDMPs will likely expand in use and effectiveness over the coming years. As they do, so will the possibility of safely prescribing powerful medications while adequately treating pain.

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Holistic Therapy – What is It and How Can it Help?

At some time in our lives, we will all reach a low point and we will struggle.  Many seek professional help in the form of counseling to gain the experience and knowledge needed in order to cope and push through these difficult times.  Professional treatment is often times the last resort for individuals.  What many people do not know, is that individual therapy can help the beginning stages of disorders, addictions, depression, stress, anxiety, family issues, trauma, and so much more.  Counseling can be used as both a preventative measure and as a corrective measure to assist those in need and to get them back on track to a healthy mental and physical state.

Holistic counseling and therapy have been on the rise.  Holistic therapy takes the approach of treating the “whole” person, involving looking into their life experiences as well as spiritual, physical, and psychological aspects of the person, not just the issue they are struggling with.  Be sure to find a licensed counselor who uses a holistic approach rather than who “coaches” using holistic methods.   Holistic approaches and counseling involve treatment of the “entire” person, from the inside out.  The goal of holistic counseling is for the client to achieve an improved mental, physical, and spiritual state.

Holistic therapy and exercises are catered towards the three main components of a person.  Massage, yoga, and other bodywork techniques are used on the physical aspect of the person’s body in order to help relieve tension and promote a better awareness of trouble areas as they arise rather than suffering after an extended period of time have passed.  These trouble areas are signs of repressed emotions and stress that the person is struggling with.  The next set of exercises involves psychotherapy aspects to assist the individual with the emotions they are feeling as the tension is released from the body.  Further education, as well as discussion of emotions and the stressors in the person’s life, will help them understand and be able to develop coping mechanisms as their awareness is heightened.  The last part of holistic treatment is to identify with the spiritual aspects of the person.  Both therapist and client will explore the deeper meanings of the individual’s life and of the world in order to help heal the soul and mind.  Meditation is a favored form of therapy used to assist in addressing the soul as well as spiritual aspects of the person.

Holistic therapy is an excellent form or preventative therapy, also known as wellness therapy or practice.  A balance is sought in holistic treatment of the body, spirit, and mind.  Holistic therapy has proved beneficial to many that have tried and used it, as it also helps educate the person to be more attuned to their needs as well as stress factors.  By being able to identify negative emotions as well as cope with them, holistic treatment helps prevent further relapses and promote the growth of a person’s well-being.  Using holistic counseling will take more than a couple of sessions.  The treatment is geared towards longevity and increasing the strength of positivity within a person.

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Healthy and Natural Habits for Managing Chronic Pain

Many daily habits can cause, exacerbate, or ease the amount of pain you experience, and there are several tried and true methods for dealing with chronic pain with or without the aid of pharmaceuticals and/or corrective surgery.

In all cases you should consult a doctor, nurse practitioner or physical therapist about what natural remedies are right for you and your condition, and whether medical interventions are necessary.

The best way to deal with chronic pain is to discuss the issues you are having and what medical interventions you are comfortable with participating in- openly with your doctor. Pain management professionals will work with you to ensure a natural, holistic approach to easing the chronic pain is taken and ensure your lifestyle habits and preferences are fully taken into consideration.

Types and Methods of Natural Pain Relief

Low Impact Hobbies and Exercise

Taking your mind off the pain is proven to be highly effective and can be done with a hobby or activity that is enjoyable, and perhaps, time-consuming. Reading, knitting, building models are great examples of ways we can train our brains on something other than chronic pain.

When engaged in such activities the brain releases chemical such as serotonin and dopamine that can ease anxiety and mitigate the amount of pain that is perceived.

Relaxation and meditation of often recognized ways to manage pain which fall into this category. According to Clinical Health Psychologist Dr. William Deardorff, “the brain can learn how to manage and decrease the sensation of pain using a combination of deep focus, breathing, and imagery techniques.” Such techniques combined with avoiding idle time can help limit the perceived amount of pain.

Stretching and Yoga

Many instances of lower back pain and some joint pain can be soothed by different yoga poses and stretching techniques. Yoga helps to strengthen and loosen the connecting muscles to areas where soreness and inflammation start.

One of the best ways to get active in yoga is to search for a yoga studio or a gym near you. You can also look up poses that can help you get started at home. If your doctor agrees that you are in fit condition to perform yoga, you may find that over time you will feel more mentally and spiritually fit. According to an article from Harvard Health citing two separate sources, Yoga has shown to help improve symptoms associated with ailments such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis and can even improve mental wellbeing.

Using Hot and Cold Temperatures for Pain Relief

Also known as cryotherapy and thermotherapy, there may be some confusion as to when it is best to employ hot or cold to painful areas, so always consult with your healthcare professional. Generally, though, you use ice on injuries and heat on muscle pain, according to Painscience.com.

Cryotherapy or “icing” can be useful for bruising, inflammation and other superficial injuries. While the evidence supporting the effectiveness of cryotherapy for injuries is tenuous, it can provide some minor comfort where inflammation and swelling are involved.

Heat can be used for muscle spasms, tension, chronic pain and other situations associated with throbbing or aching feelings. Warmth can have a calming effect as well, which can sooth some of the emotional aspects associated with pain.

Be careful when using temperature-based therapies in treating pain, because there could be an opposite-to-the-desired effect. The rule of thumb is to do what feels good to you.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements

When considering supplements, as with all pain interventions and therapies you must consult with your healthcare provider. There are many on the market that can help with different types pain. WebMD offers a comprehensive article listing supplements that can ease different types of pain.

The following are some of the listed remedies:

  • For back and joint pain: turmeric, devil’s claw root, capsicum/capsaicin, comfrey, glucosamine and chondroitin
  • For a headache: white willow bark, boswellia, caffeine, feverfew and butterbur
  • For arthritis: SAM-e, glucosamine/chondroitin, and boswellia
  • Other remedies for inflammation: Omega 3 fatty acids, and probiotics

In all cases, consulting with your physician before starting natural and herbal interventions is the rule of thumb as some of these supplements may react adversely with others, or other medicines you are taking.

Alternative Medicine for Chronic Pain

When considering an “alternative” treatment for pain you may notice a re-reoccurring theme: Your doctor is always going to be your best guide, so have questions prepared. Also consider many treatments that were once deemed alternative, are now becoming mainstream such as acupuncture and marijuana.

It is important to keep in mind that treatments outside of the mainstream are there for a reason: They aren’t effective, or potentially harmful.

Sometimes the most natural method of pain relief is to abstain from bad habits or to engage in healthy ones. Minor lifestyle changes like exercise, avoiding substance abuse, proper diet and getting enough sleep can improve quality of life and by extension perceived pain.

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