What is pain management?
Pain is very complex, and depending on the cause of the pain, there are various treatment options to control it, from medications to mind-body techniques. There are two types of pain:
- Acute pain: This pain occurs suddenly and in response to an injury.
- Chronic pain: This pain persists and usually lasts more than three months.
You may also feel pain in one part of your body, or the pain may be widespread throughout the body.
Understanding the cause of pain and finding ways to deal with it is essential because it is directly associated with your quality of life.
Table of Contents
What causes pain?
As mentioned, finding the cause of pain is very important. The most common causes of pain in adults are:
- Diseases and medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, cancer, or back problems
- Surgery
- Injury
Pain is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from injury and danger. The number of pain receptors varies in different organs. For example, the number of pain receptors in the skin is higher than anywhere else. So, the exact location of the pain in this organ is easily diagnosed. However, in an organ such as the gut, the number of receptors is much less; therefore, it is hard to pinpoint the exact location of abdominal pain accurately.
People’s interpretation of pain varies, which partially depends on previous experiences, beliefs, social norms, and culture.
Pain management: Pain medicines
There are several ways to control pain. The following tips should be considered in choosing the appropriate pain relief:
- Location and severity of pain
- Activities that aggravate or alleviate pain
- The effect of pain on the patient’s quality of life, including appetite and sleep quality
- Other medical conditions of the patient
- Medications used by the patient
The use of analgesics is probably the first option in pain management. The main types of medications used to control pain are:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen
- Opioid drugs such as oxycodone, morphine
- Local anesthetics
- Some antidepressants
- Some antiepileptic medicines
It is crucial to consider the side effects of these drugs. For example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often lead to stomach upset, and high blood pressure. Opioids can cause problems such as constipation and drowsiness. These medications can also lead to dependence and even accidental fatal overdose.
You have to be very careful when using painkillers. Pregnant women and the elderly can not self-medicate. Taking certain medications during pregnancy can harm the placenta or fetus. Older adults may also experience severe side effects. For example, regular use of aspirin in the elderly to control pain such as osteoarthritis may cause bleeding stomach ulcers. In addition, concomitant use of over-the-counter medications without consulting a physician can lead to overdose and side effects.
Our trained nurses will help you to have an effective treatment plan so that such unpleasant experiences do not happen to you.
Pain management: non-medicine treatments
There are several non-pharmacological methods for controlling pain, and in most cases, a combination of these methods is more effective than one alone.
- Use heat and cold
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Massage
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
- Relaxation techniques
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Community support groups
Where to get help
Skilled nurses play a critical role in assessing and managing acute and chronic pain:
- Facilitating the self-management plan as a coordinator of care
- Providing pain management information
- Education and improvement of the patient’s functional abilities
- Use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to prevent, identify and alleviate pain
- Considering the evidence-based guidelines and defined standards in pain management
- Implement noninvasive pain management modalities such as massage, ice, heat, positioning, pressure, or vibration
If you are suffering from chronic pain, you can significantly improve your quality of life by receiving professional help. Our nurses will help you better understand your daily recovery and know what to do in case of a flare-up. Proper use of painkillers is another professional help they offer. This reduces the risk of side effects. In addition to nurses, our occupational and physical therapists can guide you in the right direction so that you can cope with your pain.
You can get information about other Home Health services.
Pain management in Las Vegas nv
Health and Care Professional Network provides pain management services in Las Vegas. No matter what causes your pain and your conditions, we can help you to alleviate it. Our caregivers are retained well and hold the skill and experience to address your needs in your place of residence.
Pain management clinics in Las Vegas
Health and Care Professional Network is one of the best “pain management clinics in Las Vegas”. We provide all of the services you need and are aware how hard it could be going through pain. Physical and occupational therapy, massage, meditation and CBT are part of the managing treatments our caregivers provide to the residents. We have been assisting the Las Vegas people with pain management services for 15+ years now.
Pain management near me
You search for “pain management near me” in Las Vegas and Health and Care Professional Network is the best option you can find. Our skilled nurses and caregivers have provided the best pain management services in Las vegas for 15+ years in the city. From physical therapy to meditation, the services follow the latest trends and updates by the authorities and standards.
What does a pain management specialist do?
First, pain management specialists find out the root cause of your pain and determine the primary conditions that led to it. Poor posture at work, arthritis could be the cause of your pain, and the specialists find it to provide treatment.
When diagnosed with pain, the specialist recommends the best treatment plan based on his/her knowledge and experience. They often study and examine why the patients haven’t responded to the common conventional treatments.
The specialists use a different range of nonsurgical, interventional treatments and supporting treatment options. They are to avoid surgery as much as possible. They could include but are not limited to:
- Massage,
- A weight loss plan
- Acupuncture
- Exercise
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Physical therapy
- Dietary changes
- Chiropractic care
Also, a specialist might prescribe pain-killing medications, including but not limited to:
- Muscle relaxants,
- Antidepressants
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nerve blocks, joint injections, spinal cord stimulation, or epidural steroid injections might be prescribed depending on the severity of the pain.
In case the recommended treatment didn’t reduce pain, surgery could be the last option.
Our Services:
My grandfather is feeling better after the massage therapy, managing medicine, and the exercises the skilled nurse is providing to him at home. Thank you, guys.
How do you manage severe pain?
The type of healing depends on the patient and the source of the pain. Pain management specials know what measures to take.