Finding Relief from Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can be incredibly challenging for patients as it can prevent them from living fulfilling and active lifestyles. From avoiding physical activity to staying home from social functions due to discomfort, this condition can be incredibly debilitating. Unfortunately, it is common for pain conditions to be overlooked if they do not appear on imaging modalities like X-rays or MRIs. This is because these imaging modalities detect structural abnormalities in the body, whereas chronic pain is often the result of soft tissue damage or nerve damage/dysfunction.
At BEST Health System, we understand the complexities of living with a chronic pain condition. It is our goal to help patients regain control of their lives and find ways to manage their condition. If you suffer from chronic pain, continue reading to learn about different ways you can manage your condition at home.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can develop for a variety of reasons, including different conditions, lifestyle factors, and injuries. Depending on the cause of your condition, you will experience unique symptoms. During treatment, your doctor will perform diagnostic testing to try to find the source. This can determine if physical therapy will be necessary for treatment.
Common causes of chronic pain include:
- Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis cause joint inflammation and pain that can persist long-term.
- Back Problems: Degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis are frequent sources of chronic back pain.
- Nerve Damage: Neuropathy caused by diabetes, injuries, or conditions like sciatica can lead to persistent nerve-related pain.
- Fibromyalgia: This condition causes widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue and mood issues.
- Migraines: Migraines or tension headaches can result in consistent, debilitating discomfort.
- Injuries: Poorly healed fractures, surgeries, or trauma can leave lingering pain even after the initial injury has healed.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A condition where pain persists after an injury due to abnormal nervous system responses.
If your chronic pain is the result of an orthopedic condition, physical therapy, or other targeted therapies and procedures can be used to help you achieve relief.
Finding Relief at Home
If you are suffering from chronic pain, there are a few ways you can manage your symptoms at home to ensure comfort. This includes lifestyle changes, therapies to manage pain, and stretching.
Here are a few ways you can manage your condition at home:
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises. Oftentimes, chronic pain is the result of soreness and lack of flexibility. Stretching and strength exercises can improve overall function and mobility to help you live more comfortably.
- Hot and Cold Therapy. Applying heat can relax muscles and ice can reduce inflammation and numb pain. Alternating between hot and cold packs can help you manage your discomfort easily at home.
- Lifestyle Changes. Certain lifestyle decisions like smoking, drinking, and diet can influence how you feel physically and exacerbate symptoms. Limiting drinking and smoking and improving diet can help in the long term.
- Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications. Pain medications are an excellent way for patients to manage flare-ups at home. Some days, chronic pain is worse than others, and pain medications like Ibuprofen can help you manage it.
Minimally Invasive Procedures Options
If chronic pain does not respond to and get better through at-home therapies, like the ones mentioned above, patients may consider visiting their doctor to learn about treatment options. Oftentimes, patients will try to avoid invasive procedures as they are not always necessary for relief.
Neuromodulation is a minimally invasive procedure that is often recommended to patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain. This procedure involves an implanted device in the lower spine with lead wires that connect to the spinal cord. The device sends tiny electrical pulses to the spinal cord to block pain signals and help patients find relief from chronic pain.
Treatment with BEST Health System
BEST Health System works closely with patients to help them find relief from their chronic pain. We understand how debilitating this condition can be, and it is our goal to help patients achieve relief and live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
Are you seeking relief from chronic pain or another condition? Connect with our team at BEST Health System today.
