Normally, the first step when seeking to find a solution to chronic pain will be to acknowledge that the problem indeed is there. You will need to consult a physician about the signs of chronic pain. You will also tell them what you are experiencing to try and get to the bottom of what the problem is and after that formulate a plan of treatment. Chronic pain solutions are numerous and different cases are handled differently.
One of the treatment options involves use of antidepressants. There are old versions of these medications that are helpful in controlling pain. Tricyclic antidepressants are particularly very effective. These medications have qualities which enable them to relieve pains in lower doses than what would be used in curing depression. Antidepressants are never to be taken only when one feels pains but as indicated in the prescription. They are taken whether one experiences pains or not.
Physicians will try to lessen the side effects of antidepressants, especially sedation, by having the patient take them only at night. Other side effects include dry mouth which is treated by drinking lots of fluids and water. Not all patients are candidates for antidepressants though. For instance, those with some types of glaucoma should not take them. In addition, they must never be taken in larger doses than was prescribed.
Anticonvulsants are equally useful. They will help in handling nerve pains and should also be take as prescribed and not on an as needed basis. They are known to come with some side effects, notably drowsiness, but this tends to improve over time. In some instances, patients may experience weight gain. Individuals who suffer from glaucoma or weight gain should let the doctor know of the same before they start using these medications. There are newer versions that do not require liver monitoring but which should be used cautiously.
When opioids are used in the right way, they can help with reducing pains. They however are less effective or might require higher doses to minimize nerve aches. For pains that are there throughout the day and night, long acting opioids are used. A major side effect is constipation which should be controlled by drinking a lot of water. It is also possible to experience drowsiness but this reduces as one gets used to the drug.
There are people who will benefit from epidural injections. It is done at the back section of the neck in an attempt to place anti-inflammatory steroids in the body without need to use anesthesia. These injections are done for pains involving the back, hands or legs. At times it is done with x-ray guidance. Some common side effects like skin soreness or numbness are temporary and disappear with time.
Celiac plexus block is done in patients with abdominal pains or pancreatic cancer. It involves placing a needle via the back. The needle is used to deposit numbing medication to sections with nerves called celiac plexus.
Thus injection is usually done as diagnosis to check if more permanent injections can help with pain relief. If there is significant relief, then the longer lasting medication is used. The particular option used to treat chronic pain depends on an individual and also on the areas affected.
One of the treatment options involves use of antidepressants. There are old versions of these medications that are helpful in controlling pain. Tricyclic antidepressants are particularly very effective. These medications have qualities which enable them to relieve pains in lower doses than what would be used in curing depression. Antidepressants are never to be taken only when one feels pains but as indicated in the prescription. They are taken whether one experiences pains or not.
Physicians will try to lessen the side effects of antidepressants, especially sedation, by having the patient take them only at night. Other side effects include dry mouth which is treated by drinking lots of fluids and water. Not all patients are candidates for antidepressants though. For instance, those with some types of glaucoma should not take them. In addition, they must never be taken in larger doses than was prescribed.
Anticonvulsants are equally useful. They will help in handling nerve pains and should also be take as prescribed and not on an as needed basis. They are known to come with some side effects, notably drowsiness, but this tends to improve over time. In some instances, patients may experience weight gain. Individuals who suffer from glaucoma or weight gain should let the doctor know of the same before they start using these medications. There are newer versions that do not require liver monitoring but which should be used cautiously.
When opioids are used in the right way, they can help with reducing pains. They however are less effective or might require higher doses to minimize nerve aches. For pains that are there throughout the day and night, long acting opioids are used. A major side effect is constipation which should be controlled by drinking a lot of water. It is also possible to experience drowsiness but this reduces as one gets used to the drug.
There are people who will benefit from epidural injections. It is done at the back section of the neck in an attempt to place anti-inflammatory steroids in the body without need to use anesthesia. These injections are done for pains involving the back, hands or legs. At times it is done with x-ray guidance. Some common side effects like skin soreness or numbness are temporary and disappear with time.
Celiac plexus block is done in patients with abdominal pains or pancreatic cancer. It involves placing a needle via the back. The needle is used to deposit numbing medication to sections with nerves called celiac plexus.
Thus injection is usually done as diagnosis to check if more permanent injections can help with pain relief. If there is significant relief, then the longer lasting medication is used. The particular option used to treat chronic pain depends on an individual and also on the areas affected.
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