One in five Americans experience chronic pain—that’s more than 50 million people! Some of the most common causes include arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and low back pain.
Left untreated, it can have a profound impact on quality of life. For one thing, it’s often associated with other health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, there are chronic pain treatments that can help.
Interested in learning more? Want to know how to deal with chronic pain? If so, you’re at the right place.
We’ll be going over a few treatments below—so be sure to keep reading!
1. Medications
Milder forms of pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Not only will they help with the pain, but they’ll also reduce inflammation.
Topical pain relievers are another option. For example, there are creams and lotions that you can apply to the skin. They can help those with arthritis or sore muscles.
Consider talking to your doctor if over-the-counter medications don’t provide adequate relief—they’ll be able to help you find the best treatment. For example, they may recommend steroid injections, which are fairly common as far as joint pain treatments go. Epidurals are another option for those with severe pain.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific areas of the body; it works by increasing the release of endorphins, which in turn, helps to block pain. It’s also believed to promote the body’s natural self-healing process.
For example, it can help those with low back pain, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
While the process itself doesn’t usually cause pain, you may feel a slight pinch or stain as the needle is being inserted. Bleeding may also occur in some cases.
Other side effects include skin rashes, nausea, muscle twitching, bruising, and dizziness.
3. Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are used to treat chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. More specifically, they’re used to treat muscle pain in the arms, legs, neck, and back.
If anything, they’re one of the most effective procedures to treat chronic pain.
During the procedure, a healthcare professional will insert a small needle—one filled with a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid—into a trigger point. This will help reduce pain by relaxing the affected muscles.
Botulinum toxin A (Botox) may also be used in the case of migraine headaches.
In terms of side effects, it can cause pain at the injection site, minor bleeding, discomfort, sweating, and dizziness.
Understanding Different Chronic Pain Treatments
There are many chronic pain treatments available, from medications to alternative therapy. At the end of the day, you want to find the one that works best for you. After all, everyone’s pain is different.
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