What Alternatives May Be Available for Chronic Pain Management?
Chronic pain is something that affects nearly all areas of your life on a daily basis. Things you wouldn’t think twice about doing, like walking, sitting, working, and even sleeping, can be difficult with chronic pain. Prescription pain medications can offer relief, but they may not be the best long-term solution.
Consult your doctor about how you can treat your pain safely and make an individualized pain management plan. Walking, sitting, working or sleeping may be difficult. Prescription pain medications may also be helpful, but may not be the best choice for long-term use.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to chronic pain management that can help to alleviate some pain and improve everyday functioning. These include physical therapy, non-opioid medications, behavioral treatments and lifestyle changes.
It is dependent upon the cause of pain, severity of pain, and general fitness. Knowing about the options can assist you to get the best treatment plan from your health care provider.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined by pain which continues past three months and/or after the body has healed.
A lot of people experience pain associated with joints, muscles, the back, neck or nerves. Certain individuals will have regular pain of these types, whereas others will only encounter them occasionally.
Common causes include:
• Arthritis and joint conditions
• Previous injuries
• Nerve damage
• Fibromyalgia
• Persistent back or neck problems
• Certain long-term medical conditions
Sometimes, pain lasts long after the source of the pain is gone.
The goal of treatment is usually to decrease pain, enhance mobility, and keep patients independent.
Why Consider Alternatives to Prescription Opioids?
Opioid medications are appropriate for some patients. But they have side-effects, particularly when used for long periods.
These include physical dependence, addiction, overdose, constipation and getting too sleepy.
There are many non-opioid treatment options that can be effective and minimize the risk of side effects from opioids for the treatment of chronic pain conditions.
But no matter what, there will be some risk involved in any type of treatment. Before you suggest another recommendation, your Doctor should examine your previous problems and special needs.
1. Physical Therapy for Chronic Pain
The use of non-drug therapy for treating chronic pain is also on the rise. Many people have used physical therapy as a treatment for chronic pain. Your physical therapist will prescribe an exercise program based on your physical ability, the severity of your injury or disease and how much motion you have.
Treatment may include:
• Gentle stretching
• Muscle-strengthening exercises
• Posture correction
• Balance training
• Movement and flexibility exercises
A person whose lower back pain is chronic, for instance, might find relief with an exercise that builds the strength of the muscle in the back.
Physical therapy can help people move better, as well as reduce some of the discomfort that people may feel when completing their everyday activities.
2. Non-Opioid Pain Medications
There are a number of non-opioid medications that can be used to treat certain types of chronic pain.
Common options include:
Acetaminophen: May ease some types of mild pain.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Drugs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen can decrease pain and inflammation.
Certain Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants such as duloxetine can be used to treat pain associated with nerves and some musculoskeletal conditions.
Antiseizure Medications: Some medications can help manage some forms of nerve pain.
Each of these drugs carries a risk, and may not be appropriate for all patients.
For instance, they can cause stomach bleeding, kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions when used long-term.
Always talk to your health care provider about what medications you should use.
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Chronic pain impacts the body, but it impacts more than that. It may also affect sleep, mood, stress and levels of confidence in day-to-day life.
CBT does not imply that pain is “all in your head. Rather, it teaches real-life coping skills.
Patients can learn to control stress, enhance sleeping routines, pacing activities, and how to deal with pain flares.
Chronic pain and anxiety, depression, and sleep problems can be especially helped by CBT.
4. Acupuncture for Pain Relief
In acupuncture, very thin needles are inserted at certain points on the body.
According to some studies, acupuncture might help to alleviate some chronic pain conditions, such as lower back pain and osteoarthritis.
However, individuals can vary significantly in their responses to specific foods, and some people may even be non-reactive to all types of food.
In the hands of a properly trained acupuncture professional, acupuncture should be done with sterile needles.
5. Exercise and Gentle Physical Activity
It can be hard to be active when you have pain. But, total inactivity can occasionally cause stiffness and weakness in the muscles.
Low impact exercise can contribute to flexibility, strength and general fitness.
Some options are:
• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Gentle yoga
• Water-based exercise
Begin gradually and follow your health care professional’s advice for the level of activity.
The aim is NOT to pain workout. It is for the purpose of developing movement slowly and safely.
6. Heat and Cold Therapy
Simple treatments such as heat or cold may help temporarily.
Heat therapy is a way to relax stiff muscles and reduce muscle stiffness.
Using cold can be beneficial if the pain comes from an injury or inflammation.
Apply a barrier between skin and heating or cooling surface.
Do not expose for long periods of time for burning or skin damage.
These treatments can help to relieve symptoms, but do not treat all causes of chronic pain.
7. Lifestyle Changes for Better Pain Management
Adequate sleep, proper nutrition and stress management can promote general well being.
Those who have chronic pain may find it useful to have a regular sleep schedule and limit alcohol intake.
Mild relaxation exercises such as breathing and mindfulness can also reduce stress that can be caused by pain.
After you have tried many types of treatment that involve making small, frequent changes to your routine, it may be possible to improve your overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to opioids for chronic pain?
There is no perfect solution. Depending on the cause of pain, physical therapy, non-opioid medicines, exercise and behavioral treatments may be helpful.
Can chronic pain improve without medication?
Yes. Physical therapy, exercise, behavioral interventions and lifestyle modifications some people find beneficial.
Is physical therapy effective for long-term pain?
In many chronic cases of pain, physical therapy can help to restore strength, mobility and daily function. The outcome may vary from person to person, depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan.
When should I see a pain management specialist?
Discuss treatment with a specialist if pain persists after treatment, interferes with daily life or needs a more thorough assessment.
Medical Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.