Pain!!!

Millions of people worldwide are experiencing it. It can affect your daily activities. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, it can transform you from an active person to an inactive one.

According to the Institute of Medicine of The National Academies, about 100 million people in the United States are suffering from chronic pain.

Although there’s a wide range of pain management medications, they may not work for all as everyone’s condition is different. So, it’s good to consult one of the pain specialists of Orange County to design an effective strategy for your condition.

It’s frustrating to have a pain condition that has overstayed even after taking treatment. Read on to learn about the top techniques to control pain that is non-invasive.

Top Non-Invasive Pain Management Techniques for All Patients

Exercise-

Physical activities play a major role in pain management. Exercising can help patients with some chronic conditions such as arthritis, improve mobility and quality of life. You can try some aerobic activities such as cycling, walking, swimming, etc.

If you have a chronic pain condition in the knee, shoulder, back, or hip, don’t start any exercise program without professional advice. See a pain management specialist to discuss your condition and design a customized, effective exercising program.

Heat and cold therapies-

These are tried and tested methods to alleviate pain associated with injury, inflammation, etc.

Cold therapy (cryotherapy) can help in reducing the blood flow in a particular region while heat therapy can help improve blood circulation in the affected region. Various ways to apply these therapies—ice baths, ice packs, electrical heating pads, heat wrap, hot water bottles, etc.

The type of therapy that you should choose depends on the type of condition that caused pain.

Mind-body techniques-

Mind-body techniques for pain management are designed to stimulate relaxation, thus reducing the need for pain medications. These include deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and positive thinking.

According to Dr. Ellen Slawsby, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, mind-body techniques are just like flavors of ice-creams. And, you can choose the flavor you want depending on your mood.

Therapeutic massage-

Therapeutic massage relieves pain by reducing stress and anxiety, relaxing tendons, joints, and muscles, and improving movement in daily living.

Massage therapy can include various degrees of pressure—hard pressure, light touch, and firm pressure. Based on your condition, your therapist will choose the pressure technique to relax the muscles around the affected area. Patients suffering from certain conditions such as fibromyalgia may be able to tolerate light pressure.

Music therapy-

Many pain management specialists of Orange County often prefer music therapy to promote relaxation and ease the pain. Listening to music can distract you from discomfort or pain, thus improving your quality of life.

Music therapy is available at various cancer and pain management centers in the United States. It may include listening to music, writing songs, making music, creating images in mind using music, meditating with music, etc.

The bottom line is that pain is a common condition that affects millions of Americans. Pain medications may work, but they have certain side effects. Exercise, deep breathing, cold and hot therapies, mind-body techniques, etc. are some of the most effective ways to beat pain and feel good. If you still find difficulty managing pain, talk to an expert doctor from a trusted medical clinic for consultation and treatment.

Have you ever tried these non-invasive pain management techniques? If so, what was your experience? Describe in the comment section below.