4 Treatments Pain Management Specialists May Recommend

Are you struggling with chronic pain? A growing problem in the US poses a threat to the quality of life for many Americans.

Around 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain. When left unchecked, chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and sleepless nights. However, the medical field is not failing you.

Many professionals now recognize the value of pain management specialties. Rather than taking a pill, your pain management specialists could implement a more multi-faceted approach.

So what treatments might they recommend? Why not read on and find out?

1. Acupuncture

This a popular form of traditional Chinese medicine that applies thin needles to specific points on the body. This can include the ears, arms, hands, and feet, to induce physiological responses.

Acupuncture has proven to be effective when treating chronic pain, neck and back pain, and labor pain. Pain relief from acupuncture can be due to the release of endorphins, or due to changes in brain activity.

Research has demonstrated that acupuncture not only relieves pain but it can also improve sleep and reduce stress. For that reason, acupuncture can help reduce the need for prescription drugs, which can have negative side effects.

2. Biofeedback

This is a form of pain treatment that uses music, visual stimuli, or electrodes to help recognize physiological changes. This can provide clues about physical sensations and pain levels. It can help individuals become aware of their bodily sensations, and increase their ability to control them.

The goal of biofeedback is to relax the body to reduce the amount of pain being felt. Having the ability to recognize and control the pain can reduce the impact it has on their daily life.

3. Ketamine Therapy

This therapy consists of intravenously administering a precise dose of the medication ketamine. The active ingredient, ketamine hydrochloride, is a type of anesthetic drug. It is effective at relieving pain.

It is a well-tolerated drug and can even be administered at home. A pain management specialist will consider their patient’s individual pain condition and health history to determine if ketamine treatment is an appropriate therapy for them. Also, check the benefits of ketamine therapy here to learn more about this therapy.

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT involves identifying patterns of thought and behavior associated with a particular physical pain and then challenging them. Pain management specialists typically focus on strategies that actively involve the patient in learning about their pain and making changes in lifestyle.

They may also work to increase the patient’s ability to cope with pain. This is done by teaching breathing techniques, relaxation, and distraction strategies.

Through CBT, specialists help patients to gain insight into the causes of their pain. They help reframe how they think about it and take an active role in managing and reducing it.

Effective Treatment Strategies by Pain Management Specialists

Pain management specialists may use many strategies to help patients manage their pain. These strategies may include various medications, physical therapy regimens, lifestyle changes, and even alternative treatments such as acupuncture and ketamine therapy.

To maximize pain relief and to live a healthier life, talk to a pain management specialist today and find out what treatments they may recommend for you.

If you’d like to learn more, check out the rest of our blog.