Pain Management

What is Pain Management?

Those living with chronic pain should consult with their doctors to create a comprehensive pain management plan. Your doctor may start with one approach and change or enhance their strategy based on its effectiveness. With the proper pain management plan for your specific condition, you can get back to your favorite daily activities with little to no pain.

Pain management, in short, is the process of working with your provider to keep your pain under control. Pain management may involve medications, exercises, therapies, and more. All in all, pain management is a “trial and error” practice, so it may take a while to find the combination that works best for you.

Not every injury or condition requires a full-scale pain management program. However, if your pain and discomfort are keeping you from performing daily tasks or enjoying your regular activities, you may want to consult a pain management specialist in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples. You may also benefit from pain management if your pain doesn’t get better after treatment or if your pain is causing you anxiety or depression.

Types of Pain

Not all pain is created equally, and yet all of us experience pain at some point or another. For those with chronic pain, though, knowing the type of pain you’re in can lead to a more effective pain management plan. Acute and chronic pain are the two main forms of pain, but they are not the only ones.

Injury and Disease
In some cases, pain results from an injury. Perhaps you’ve broken a bone or have been in an accident that causes harm. These instances often result in acute pain, which is a sharp sensation. Some conditions like shingles and appendicitis have also been shown to cause acute pain. Luckily, when the disease or injury in question is treated, acute pain typically resolves itself.

Chronic Pain
You’ve likely heard the term “chronic pain,” which is defined as pain that is consistently present for more than six months. Some patients may experience chronic pain because of an injury or disease that has gone untreated. Additionally, some conditions like nerve damage, fibromyalgia, and arthritis can cause chronic pain.

Nociceptive Pain
Nociceptive pain involves the nerve cell endings in your body. This type of pain often comes on suddenly and may be over quickly or could last for a while. You’ve likely experienced nociceptive pain if you’ve pulled a muscle or hit your head. Within this category, patients may experience somatic pain (located in the musculoskeletal system) or visceral pain (located in the organs).

Neuropathic
Finally, neuropathic pain (also known as nerve pain) involves problems with the nervous system. Those experiencing neuropathic pain are receiving pain signals from their nerves, even if the nerves aren’t damaged. This pain can be caused by conditions such as HIV, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

Some other types of pain include breakthrough pain, phantom pain, soft tissue pain, and referred pain. To determine your type of pain, your pain management doctor will likely ask about the source, duration, severity, and sensation.

Causes of Pain

Pain can come from countless causes, from severe injuries to minor accidents. Many diseases and conditions list pain as one of the first symptoms that a patient may experience.

Chronic pain disorders are some of the most debilitating sources of pain, as the pain can spread throughout the entire body. Some common chronic pain disorders include central pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and complex regional pain syndrome.

Another common cause of pain is nerve damage, also known as neuropathy. In addition to pain, nerve damage can also result in tingling and stinging sensations, often associated with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Pain can also be caused by muscle and joint conditions like arthritis, in all its various forms. Patients with autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease or lupus experience pain caused by the immune system attacking the body.

Those who have experienced back injuries or have conditions like sciatica could benefit from a pain management program. Pain management can also be effective for those with migraines, kidney stones, endometriosis, and dozens of other conditions.

Pain Management Treatment in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples

Pain management doctors work hard to craft individualized treatment plans for each patient. As we mentioned, this process can take some time to find the most effective plan, and you may find yourself undergoing several different treatment methods at once.

There are plenty of ways that you can attend to your pain from home. Your provider at the Orthopedic Center of Florida in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples may recommend the RICE treatment method, which involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You may also benefit from hands-on treatment methods such as acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments.

Exercise can be a great way to increase strength, reduce pain, improve posture, and benefit mental health. There are several low impact exercises that nearly every patient can perform, including walking and swimming. Pilates, tai chi, and yoga may also be effective.

You can also help to manage your pain by making lifestyle changes. Evaluate your diet and exercise habits and ask your doctor for recommendations about how to improve. All patients can benefit from getting enough sleep, drinking lots of water, and managing their stress levels.

You may be surprised to learn that, in addition to physical therapy, psychological therapies can help with pain management. Therapy methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and meditation can help you cope with your pain and change your mindset when experiencing discomfort.

Pain Medicines

Pain medicines are often an important part of pain management treatment, so much so that we wanted to dedicate an entire section to discussing them.

Pain management doctors often recommend over-the-counter medications for minor pain. These medications can include NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or other medicines specific to your condition.

In addition to oral medications, your doctor may recommend stimulations or injections to assist with pain relief. For many patients, steroid injections given directly into the affected area can deliver quick and effective pain relief. Your pain management specialist may also recommend treatments like radiofrequency ablation or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), specifically for those experiencing nerve pain.

To learn more about pain management treatment options, contact Orthopedic Center of Florida or schedule online for a consultation in our Fort Myers, Estero or Naples, FL offices.