Pain is a complex and often debilitating condition that can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20.4% of adults in the United States lives with chronic pain. In addition, the CDC also reports that pain is the leading cause of disability in the US.
Everyone has a different threshold for pain and experiences it in different ways. However, regardless of the intensity, chronic pain can take a toll on your physical and mental health, as well as your relationships and work life.
In this article, we’ll explore pain management in Texas. Furthermore, we’ll discuss the different types of pain, their diagnosis, and the available treatment options.
What is Pain?
Pain is an unpleasant sensation caused by various stimuli, including tissue damage, inflammation, or nerve irritation. Additionally, it’s a complex process that involves physical, emotional, and psychological components.
There are two main types of pain: acute and chronic.
Acute pain is short-lived and typically goes away once the underlying cause is treated. Evidently, it’s your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong and needs to be fixed.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is persistent and can last for weeks, months, or even years. Surprisingly, it can be caused by various conditions, including arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and migraines.
Chronic pain can have a major impact on your quality of life. Unfortunately, it can interfere with your ability to work, participate in activities you enjoy, and even sleep.
How is Pain Diagnosed?
There’s no single test that can diagnose pain in new patients. Instead, diagnosis is based on a combination of self-reported symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging tests.
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and the type of pain you’re experiencing. They’ll also perform a physical examination to look for signs of injury or disease.
Imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can also help diagnose pain. These tests can provide insights into the underlying cause of your pain and help rule out other potential causes.
What are the Treatment Options for Pain?
There are a variety of treatment options available for pain. The best approach depends on your pain’s underlying cause and individual preferences.
Over-the-Counter Medications:
There are several over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can be used to treat pain. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve).
Prescription Medications:
If OTC medications don’t provide relief, doctors may prescribe stronger pain medicine. The most common prescription pain medications are opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Interventional Therapies:
Interventional therapies are procedures that are used to treat pain. Moreover, they include nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and spinal cord stimulation.
Surgery:
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat pain. However, this is typically only considered when other treatment options have failed and the pain is severely impacting your quality of life.
Alternative Therapies:
Several alternative therapies can be used to treat pain. These include non-surgical treatments like acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care.
Explore Pain Management in Texas:
If you’re living with pain, it’s important to find a pain management solution that works for you. Ultimately, the treatments and therapies available for pain management vary from person to person.
At ReleviiMed in Schertz, our primary concern is our commitment to your comfort and improvement. In fact, our pain specialists are experts in the field and use the latest techniques to help improve patients’ quality.
We provide exceptional care to every patient, every time, just like our family members. If you’re looking for pain management physicians in Texas, we can help. Schedule a consultation today to explore your treatment options.
