Creating Your Pain Management Plan
- Category: Pain Management
- Written By: NSPC Team
Finding Relief Through Individualized Care
A pain management plan is a helpful tool in managing pain. There are many different treatments and options available to help control pain. A pain management plan should be tailored to the individual's needs and preferences.
There are many things to consider when creating a pain management plan — and your doctor will help find the options that work best for you. Here’s where you should start:
Taking the First Step
Our bodies are made of complex joints and muscle groups. Without knowing what triggers your pain, finding the perfect treatment to eradicate it is hard. The good news is: you don't have to do it alone.
The first step is to talk to your doctor about your pain. Be sure to let them know what type of pain you are experiencing, how often you experience it, and how severe it is. They will then be able to recommend some treatment options that may help. If you're preparing for a consultation, keeping a written log of your symptoms is a good idea. This can help you thoroughly discuss how you're feeling and serve as a benchmark for treatment progress down the line.
Now that you’re ready to take back control of your life and seek relief from your pain, here are a few options that our National Spine & Pain Centers-affiliated specialists may recommend:
Pain Management Treatment Options
The key to any pain management plan is that your condition and symptoms are unique from any other patient. Finding the right strategy that helps you means an individualized approach.
Various factors can cause joint pain, including injury, arthritis, or even everyday wear and tear. What helps another may not be effective for your chronic pain. There are a variety of treatments available for pain management. Some common treatments include:
Medication
Medication can be used to help control pain — but it does not always improve the root of your pain. Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants can help provide relief.
Medication is often the first step of a treatment plan to help you find relief, but other therapies and treatments are proven more effective at treating the root of your pain and helping you find comfort.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often an important non-invasive part of pain management. Physical therapists can help you:
- Regain strength and flexibility.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Improve your range of motion.
- Teach you exercises to help relieve pain and prevent further injury.
Joint Injections, Electric Stimulation, & Laser Therapies
Three of the most popular pain management options at National Spine & Pain Centers are joint injections, electric stimulation, and laser therapy.
Joint injections involve injecting medication directly into the joint itself. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation and improve mobility. Laser therapy is another option that uses focused beams of light to reduce pain and inflammation. It's a non-invasive option that can be used with other treatments, such as electric stimulation.
E-Stim Treatment Options
Electric stimulation, also known as e-stim, is a pain management technique that uses electrical impulses to help relieve pain. It is often used in conjunction with other pain management methods, such as physical therapy or medication.
There are several types of electric stimulation devices available, including Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), High-Frequency (H-Wave), and External Counterpulsation (E-STIM). TENS devices are small, portable, and can be used at home. H-Wave machines are larger and require a prescription, but they offer a higher frequency of electrical impulses. E-STIM devices are typically used in a hospital or pain clinic setting.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
At National Spine & Pain Centers, we use the following minimally invasive treatments to help patients find relief with the benefits of smaller incisions, less recovery time, and no stitches:
- Nerve block injections
- Facet joint injections
- Epidural steroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Spinal cord stimulation
Acupuncture & Massage Therapy
Acupuncture and massage therapy are two great options for joint pain management. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that can help to release pain-relieving chemicals in the body, while massage therapy can help to improve circulation and flexibility. These therapies can be used together or separately to relieve pain and help you live a healthier, pain-free life.
Surgical Intervention
In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to provide relief. Joint surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will not need to stay in the hospital overnight. The type of surgery you have will depend on the joint involved and your pain's severity. For example, if you have arthritis in your hip, you may need a hip replacement.
Recovery from joint surgery can take several weeks or even months. You will likely need to limit your activities and take pain medication during this time. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help improve the range of motion and prevent stiffness in the joint.
Lifestyle Changes
Several lifestyle changes can help manage pain. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep are all critical for pain management. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation can also be helpful. Your National Spine & Pain Centers doctor will help review changes that can benefit you.
Low-impact Exercises
If you're dealing with chronic pain, exercising is a great way to stay active and keep your joints lubricated — however, it's important not to overdo it. Here are some of the top low-impact exercises to help relieve pain:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Stationary Bike/Bike Riding
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Certain foods can actually help to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. You can find omega-3s in fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Other anti-inflammatory foods include turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green leafy vegetables.
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