Pain management as a discipline can be traced to its roots in the 1960s. It is globally acknowledged as a medical subspeciality that helps patients suffering from pain. By the 1970s the field had a dedicated and recognized journal called “Pain” as well as an association International Association for the Study of Pain. Pain management as a stream of medicine in India is relatively new.

Types of Pain

They are two broad types

Acute Pain- is a sudden but normal response to an outside stimulus such as an injury or internal problems such as a medical condition. The word acute refers to the sudden yet severe degree of pain.

Chronic Pain- describes pain that has been bothering the patient for more than three months or is recurring, affecting their quality of life.

Doctors of this field are using a combination of physical, pharmacological, interventional, and psychological techniques to relieve pain. Like no two people and their illnesses are the same similarly the management of pain is different for every person. Pain Management Specialists can use a variety of approaches to help patients.

Causes of Pain

Pain is the body’s reaction to external or internal stimulus signaling that something is wrong. It can be anything from a prick or uncomfortable sensation to shooting or crippling pain (pain that is unbearable). Some common causes for pain in the human body are- injury, surgery, or psychological pain. Pain, unfortunately, is not always curable but it can be managed.

Non-Drug Pain Management Techniques

Before opting for medical intervention, doctors suggest that patients should try some of these simple yet effective techniques to manage pain. These are easy to follow and can relieve most types of acute pain.

Hot and Cold Therapy- as the name suggests this technique requires patients to apply a hot or cold compress to the affected area. The heat helps muscles relax and dilate blood vessels. Whereas cold therapy reduces blood flow and inflammation.

Massage- this method is best for backaches and neck pain but is not advised for injuries like sprain and muscle pulls. A good massage can help you relax, increase flexibility, reduce stiffness and soreness in muscles as well as relieve stress.

Physical Therapy- many times pain and stiffness can be caused due to long periods of inactivity. This can be relieved with light exercises such as walking or stretching. Keep in mind not to push yourself. You can also opt for a physical therapist who can advise the best course of exercises to suit your body type.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy- is a form of psychological treatment that can help in pain management. The aim is to reduce the negative impact chronic pain can have on a person’s mental health.

Drug Therapy

Sometimes cannot be managed without medical intervention. There are various kinds of medication that can help a patient. It is best to consult an experienced pain management specialist for this.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The first step of managing pain is understanding what type of pain it is, how bad it is and what are your options. At Sanjeevani Multi-specialty Hospital we offer the expertise of one of the most renowned pain management specialists in Kerala.

To answer the question- Yes! Pain can be managed. Having pain is natural but living with it is not.