It’s estimated that 8 million Canadians are living with chronic pain. Chronic pain is a condition of pain that lasts longer than 3 months, which is typically enough time for the body to heal itself. It’s a serious condition that has the ability to limit quality of life and exacerbate other health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. But chronic pain affects more than just health – this type of persisting pain is known to damage relationships, careers, and finances.
For good reason, chronic pain relief treatment is a focal issue for those living with chronic pain every day. Unfortunately, there isn’t one magic solution that will work for everyone, instead people suffering from chronic pain and healthcare providers rely on a range of solutions to apply to very individual scenarios.
If you or someone you know is living with chronic pain, here are some of the more common pain relief treatments:
Physical Therapies
If you’re interested in avoiding pharmacological treatment – turning to medication as a last resort – physical therapy is a great place to start when looking to treat chronic pain. Physical therapy relies on a hands-on approach.
Exercise is a big part of physical therapy, including walking, stretching, and moving the body. But that’s just the start – professional help will go a long way when it comes to physical therapy. One of the best methods of physical therapy available is a chiropractor.
The goal of chiropractic care is to restore function and stability to the spine using spinal manipulation and releasing tension, which has shown to help with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other chronic pain.
You can also work with a physical therapist, which will give you detailed exercise instructions to manage pain at home. This type of exercise is known to increase strength, aerobic capacity, balance, flexibility, and posture.
Psychological Therapies
The physical aspect of chronic pain is just one piece of the puzzle. But when you live with chronic pain every day, it can take a serious toll on your mental well being. That’s where psychological treatments come into play.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is one method used to help people cope with chronic pain, with the goal of challenging harmful thoughts and developing useful self-help strategies. Used to treat a range of mental health issues, CBT helps people break negative thinking habits while encouraging positive thinking and healing.
Meditation is another helpful psychological therapy that can work wonders. Meditation helps people focus their attention, boost their awareness, and improve their mental outlook on life.
Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies are another great route to take alongside physical therapy, psychological therapy, and medication. Plus, some of these options may even be covered by your health insurance.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves strategically inserting tiny needles into areas of the body experiencing pain. A key part of Chinese healing, this practice is known to reduce stress and pain.
Seeing a registered massage therapist is another great idea, especially since it is often covered under medical insurance plans. Massage therapy works the soft tissue in the body, including muscle, connective tissue, tendons, and ligaments, and could have a positive impact on chronic pain.
Yoga is a complementary therapy that blends the physical with the psychological. Yoga helps people control their minds and increase their awareness while also being an excellent form of exercise for strength and range of motion.
Pain Medications
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, there’s a good chance pain medication is worked into your pain relief treatment plan. While it’s generally accepted that pain medications should be used to complement other pain relief methods, and shouldn’t be relied upon, they can be very effective at helping people deal with pain.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDs, are effective against moderate pain like muscle injuries, strains, cramps, and arthritis. This medication is generally safe in the recommended dose, but your healthcare provider will know what’s best for you.
Antidepressants and anti-seizure medications are often used to treat chronic pain, particularly back pain, and diabetes-related nerve pain.
Acetaminophen is another option for treating chronic pain, often prescribed to manage osteoarthritis and back pain. This type of medication may be prescribed alongside much more powerful opioids, in order to decrease the volume of opioids needed for the treatment plan.
Looking for a chiropractor in the Chilliwack area to help manage your chronic pain? Contact Sardis Chiropractic today for an introductory appointment.
