Tailoring Chronic Pain Treatment to Your Needs is essential. Developing a painful medical condition can be a life-changing experience. You may have to accommodate your physical limitations or consider the effects of pain-relieving medications and therapies.
Fortunately, various options are available to help manage chronic pain conditions. Finding the best options for you can take some time, but the results can significantly improve your quality of life.
Conditions That Often Cause Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be the result of some different types of conditions. Injuries from auto accidents or work tasks can lead to chronic discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders, arms or legs. Autoimmune diseases such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to pain that affects the ability to perform normal daily tasks. Neuropathy can cause chronic discomfort in the arms and legs that can be debilitating. Cancer can cause pain around tumor growth or from surgical procedures. Old injuries that have left scars behind can also cause chronic pain problems.
Standard Methods For Treating Chronic Pain Conditions
Prescription medication is one of the most common methods of providing management of pain for a medical problem. Opioids, steroid medications, beta-blockers, and antidepressants can all reduce chronic pain. Physical therapy can help individuals with chronic pain gain strength and improve function. Alternative medicine methods such as massage, acupuncture, meditation, and biofeedback can be used alone or with other ways to manage pain effectively. Yoga, tai chi, and relaxation techniques are helpful for many patients. A combination of techniques often offers the most effective relief from chronic pain.
CBD/Hemp Offers Another Approach to Pain Relief
In recent years, CBD and hemp products’ effectiveness in relieving chronic pain has become more widely understood and accepted. Although research into the use of CBD and hemp products for pain has been limited by federal regulation, patients report good results from these products, without the harsh side effects and problems of addiction to opioid medications. CBD and hemp offer a gentler, more natural remedy for chronic pain problems in various forms, making it easy for patients to administer for the best results. Sativa strains can be used for relief during the day, for when you need to stay alert for your usual activities. Indica strains provide deep relaxation that can help manage nighttime discomfort.
Creating A Pain Management Plan That Works For You
Every person’s pain is different, as is his or her own unique experience of pain. Where your pain is located can be a factor in its severity and your discomfort tolerance. Designing a pain management plan that considers your needs is critical in successfully treating your affliction. An individualized program can consider the type and frequency of medication you are taking and whether or not you have unpleasant side effects from the drugs. In some cases, alternative medicine can be a helpful adjunct for pain relief. Your pain management plan may require changes as time passes to provide the most effectiveness.
In Summary
Managing a painful condition is not a “one size fits all” proposition. Your needs may be different than someone else. An individualized pain management program that employs various strategies can often be the best method for allowing patients to maximize their comfort levels.
By Brittany Cotton
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
