Experiencing pain is a common issue you will encounter at some point. The pain should, however, disappear after a short period allowing you to continue with your daily activities. If you have persistent and lengthy pain, it is considered chronic and can deteriorate your overall well-being if untreated. Fortunately, people with chronic pain Howell have benefited from various treatment options available in the market. Your provider determines the most effective treatment for your chronic pain based on the severity, location, or personal need. Below is a complete guide to various treatments your doctor can recommend to manage chronic pain.
Facet Injection
A facet joint is an effective option for helping spinal stabilization and movement in the back and neck. In most cases, your provider performs these injections under X-ray. If done correctly, they can alleviate pain in your back or neck. It is possible to feel soreness in your neck or back when the doctor inserts a needle. Your provider will position you to lie on your stomach during the injection.
Physical Therapy
Usually, exercises are one of the chronic back pain treatments. Healthcare providers recommend patients try this option under their guidance as the first option for addressing chronic pain. Nevertheless, not everyone can benefit from exercise, according to specialists. Your doctor should tailor these exercises depending on your specific symptoms and condition. Once your practitioner has advised you, you should maintain an exercise routine at home to enjoy more success. Some of the physical therapy your provider can recommend includes retraining your posture and testing the limits of pain tolerance.
Epidural Steroid Injection
Doctors perform these injections on your neck or back. The injection allows your provider to insert inflammatory medication with or without local anesthetic in the epidural space near the region causing pain. Doctors perform these injections under X-ray to ensure the procedure is correct and safe. Unfortunately, you may be prone to experiencing some side effects, such as back or neck soreness where the needle enters the skin. The soreness will, however, disappear after a short time.
Opioids
Opioids can alleviate a given type of chronic pain if done correctly. In most cases, opioids are less effective and need excess doses in nerve-related pain. However, doctors do not recommend long-acting opioids because the chances of contributing to side effects are high. One of the common side effects you can experience is constipation, which you can treat by drinking more liquids, although sometimes may require OTC medications. You may also experience breathing problems, so you should work with your doctor to know how you can avoid these side effects.
Surgery
Surgery is another effective treatment for addressing chronic pain. However, healthcare providers rarely use it, but when used, it means other treatment options are ineffective. When you experience serious neurological conditions such as bladder or bowel dysfunction accompanied by chronic pain, your doctor may suggest surgery immediately. Before concluding to have surgery, it is essential to seek a second opinion from another surgeon. You should also ask the surgeon many questions to understand the risks, advantages, and recovery process.
If left untreated, chronic pain can be devastating and overwhelming. This is because the pain can prevent you from carrying out your daily activities, such as walking, playing, or taking objects from one point. Therefore, talking to your healthcare provider is vital if you are suspicious of persistent back or neck pain. Your doctor will provide a comprehensive examination and determine the root cause of your pain. Afterward, depending on your need, the doctor will determine the most effective treatment, from medication, injections, and physical therapy to surgery.
