When it comes to managing chronic pain, the options are diverse so as its causes. From prescription medications to exercising, there’s a wide range of approaches available. By consulting doctor, you can easily determine what’s right for your condition.

Sometimes, one treatment approach may not help you get the required results. And, you need to use a combination of treatments.

Managing Chronic Pain – Top Treatment Options:

Prescription Medications

There’s a wide range of medications available for relieving pain. These include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Both these types are good for relieving pain caused by muscle aches. However, NSAIDs can also help in reducing inflammation and related symptoms. You can also find a wide range of topical pain relievers such as creams, lotions, etc.

If medications don’t provide you the relief from chronic pain, your doctor can prescribe you stronger medications.

Exercising

When you’re suffering from chronic pain, too much rest can worsen the condition. Medical researchers have found that regular exercise not only reduces pain but can also help in toning muscles and improving the flexibility and strength of the body.

Physical therapy comprises a wide range of stretching and strengthening techniques, which can help in promoting movement, thus relieving pain.

Exercising releases endorphin, a chemical produced in the body responsible for reducing pain & stress and boosting happiness.

There’re some exercises, which you enjoy doing, such as biking, running, swimming, rowing, yoga.

Bioelectric Therapy

It works by blocking the pain signals to the brain. Bioelectric therapy promotes the production of endorphins and reducing painful sensations by blocking the pain messages.

Experts say that this therapy is effective in controlling various pain-causing conditions such as headaches, arthritis, migraines, diabetic neuropathy, scleroderma, etc.

Although bioelectric therapy provides temporary pain control, it can be used as a part of the total pain management program. When used in combination with medications, it can help in reducing the dose by about 50%.

TENS

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy. It’s used for electrical stimulation and relieving pain. In this, a low-voltage electric current is delivered to the affected area through electrodes. The signal helps in stimulating the nerves in the pain regions, thus changing the normal pain signals in the brain.

TENS is an effective pain-relieving method, which can help in controlling diabetic neuropathy. However, according to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), TENS isn’t recommended for managing chronic pain. So, you should talk to your doctor before starting this treatment.

Psychological Treatment

When you’re suffering from pain, you may experience anxiety, depression, etc. These conditions can cause sleep problems and interfere with your relationships & performance at work, thus making pain worse. Treating these conditions can help you control pain, and get rid of the related problems.

One of the major parts of the psychological treatment for relieving pain is to educate patients and acquire skills to deal with difficult problems.

Talking to a licensed mental health professional can help you design a perfect strategy for controlling mental illnesses and get maximum benefits.

Covering it up—living with chronic pain is quite difficult. It can cause sleep problems and affect your relationships & performance at work. There’re many treatment options for chronic pain. You can use medications such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing pain and inflammation. TENS provides electrical stimulation, thus controlling the pain signals in the brain. Physical therapy works by increasing the levels of endorphins, the body’s naturally produced chemicals responsible for managing pain and stress. Exercises such as cycling, swimming, yoga, etc. can help you enjoy your time with your loved ones and get off pain as well.

Talk to a doctor to discuss your condition and design an effective treatment strategy.