Types Of Chronic Pain Solutions

By Ruth Martin


The first step towards finding solutions for chronic pain is acknowledging that it indeed is a problem. One will need to consult their doctor to ask about the symptoms of chronic pain. When you see a doctor to explain what you are experiencing, it will be possible to know the source of the problem and thus come up with comprehensive treatment plan. There are many chronic pain solutions that one can consider.

Antidepressants are among the most used medications. The best options are older categories which are more effective. To be specific, tricylic antidepressants help in a great way. These medicines have pain relief qualities that make them be able to relieve pains with lower doses than what is required in depression treatment. They are not supposed to be taken on as needed basis but in the way they were prescribed. They are taken every day irrespective of if there is pain or not.

Doctors try to reduce side effects of antidepressants, more so sedation, by ensuring they are only taken at night. There are other side effects like dry mouth that are treated through taking a lot of water or fluids. It is important to know that there are people that are not supposed to use antidepressants. For example, people with certain types of glaucoma. Antidepressants should not be taken in a larger dose than prescribed.

Anticonvulsants are equally useful. They will help in handling nerve pains and should also be take as prescribed and not on an as needed basis. They are known to come with some side effects, notably drowsiness, but this tends to improve over time. In some instances, patients may experience weight gain. Individuals who suffer from glaucoma or weight gain should let the doctor know of the same before they start using these medications. There are newer versions that do not require liver monitoring but which should be used cautiously.

If opioids are used as required, they in a great way help with reduction of pains. The downside is that they are not as effective and one will need to use them in higher doses for optimal results. If the pains are experienced throughout the day and night, there are long acting categories that are preferred. Opioids bring about constipation as a possible side effect but this is easily controlled by drinking lots of fluids. Drowsiness is experienced but reduces as one slowly gets used to the medication.

Epidural injection is equally helpful. It is done at the back of the neck to try and place anti-inflammatory steroids without having to use anesthesia. The injections are done for pains that involve legs or the back, and at times hands. They might get done under x-ray guidance. There are common side effects like soreness of skin or temporary numbness of pierced areas.

Celiac plexus block is performed for relief in patients who have pancreatic cancer. It is also done in those with any other forms of abdominal aches. There is placement of a needle through the back which will deposit numbing medicine to an area with a group of nerves known as celiac plexus.

Thus injection is usually done as diagnosis to check if more permanent injections can help with pain relief. If there is significant relief, then the longer lasting medication is used. The particular option used to treat chronic pain depends on an individual and also on the areas affected.




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