Treatment Options For Chronic Pain

Unfortunately, many people live with chronic pain. While each situation is different, at least some people turn to medication in order to cope with their pain. However, research suggests that drugs that are supposed to offer relief can actually make a person more sensitive to pain over time. This situation is known as “hyperalgesia.” Research in rats found that rats that were treated with morphine actually became more sensitive to pain over time and that it took longer for these rats to return to the same pain sensitivity as rats that did not receive morphine. Some studies found that just a few days of morphine use led to greater pain sensitivity. The results of this study show that taking opioids like morphine, oxycodone and methadone, even for only a short period of time, could have a significant impact on your body’s ability to cope with pain. For some people, this could mean having to increase the painkiller dosage over time in order to compensate for this phenomenon. In many cases, there are alternatives to painkillers available. However, the options available will depend on your particular situation and condition. There are always potential risks with all treatments, so it’s important that you review any possible treatment options with a healthcare professional. Here are some things to consider:

• PHYSIOTHERAPY: Physiotherapy helps reduce pain and increase range of motion in people who are experiencing a wide variety of conditions. Depending on your issue, your physiotherapist will use a variety of different techniques including manual therapies and technology-based therapies. Working with a physiotherapist can help not only with pain reduction, but also improve movement and functionality.
• REGULAR EXERCISE: Regular physical activity has been found to be beneficial for those who experience pain due to a variety of conditions. Exercise also boosts your mood, gives you more energy and reduces your risk of many illnesses and conditions. It is important that you speak with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine as there could be a risk of aggravating an injury or making a condition worse if you’re not careful.
• CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATION: Chiropractic treatments works for certain conditions, such as lower back pain. Adjustments are safe and painless and can help restore proper body alignment, which leads to pain reduction. Meeting with a treatment team and discussing chiropractic manipulation treatment can help you understand if this treatment is right for you.
• SUPPLEMENTS & VITAMINS: Certain dietary supplements can help with certain types of pain. For example, fish oil is often used to alleviate pain associated with swelling. Depending on your situation, taking certain vitamins or supplements could be of help to you. It’s important to mention that there are potential risks associated with certain supplements. Many people incorrectly believe that there is no harm to taking vitamins or supplements, so they do not speak with a healthcare professional before doing so. However, high doses of certain supplements can lead to issues, so it’s important to discuss these potential risks with a healthcare professional before taking anything.
• MASSAGE THERAPY: Massage therapy doesn’t just lead to increased relaxation. There is also evidence that it can help ease pain in individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, neck and back injuries, fibromyalgia and other conditions.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain and need help with managing your condition, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Remember, at Physiomed…Healthier Starts Here.