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Chronic pain management treatment in Hebbal, Bangalore

Chronic pain management

Chronic pain management treatment in Hebbal, Bangalore

What is chronic pain?

Generally, pain from surgery, sprained ankle, toothache, etc., will go away during recovery or treatment.  These are temporary or acute pain.  On the other hand, pain does not go away for months together.  This pain is referred to as chronic pain. Some examples of chronic pain are, 

  • arthritis of the knee

  • pain in the neck that troubles the person on most days

  • pain in the back that troubles the person on most days

  • migraine headaches that occur frequently

  • surgical pain that lingers on due to improper treatment/care

  • muscle injury pain caused due to incorrect healing/care

Besides these, there are several other causes of chronic pain, such as, 

  • Shingles

  • Phantom limb pain (this pain is felt by persons with an amputated limb(s))

  • musculoskeletal and fibromyalgia pain

  • Injuries to the neck and/ or back

How the diagnosis of chronic pain is performed

A pain medicine specialist during Chronic pain management treatment in Hebbal, Bangalore, and a team of physicians (depending on the source of the chronic pain) will work with the patient during the diagnosis. The physicians take care of the patient’s medical conditions, such as cancer or arthritis, and the specialist in pain medicine will diagnose and treat the pain.

Some of the tasks that the specialist in pain medicine might perform as part of the treatment are,

  • Review the patient’s medical records, including all images, such as X-rays.

  • Conduct a total physical examination.

  • Have the patient describe the pain, how long it has been there, where it hurts, and conditions under which the pain gets worse and better.

  • Get information on how the pain affects the patient's life and daily activities and what the patient expects from the treatment. 

  • Get tests done for diagnosis and chalking out a line of treatment.

Options for chronic pain treatment

  • Medication

Pain can be relieved by using over-the-counter remedies. Also, other medications, such as steroids, anti-seizure medications and antidepressants, can help with pain relief. A physician may suggest to patients some combination of medications to address the various aspects of the pain.  Since some of the prescribed medications might be addictive, while others could come with side effects or might interact with other medicines, it is essential that a patient does not self-medicate but let an expert decide the medication. 

  • Physical therapy

Physical therapy can alleviate certain pain varieties since they respond well to exercise.  Specific exercises are performed to build muscles or stretch them and relieve pain. A pain medication specialist works with an orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist or specialist in physical medicine to chalk out a physical therapy program for the patient.

  • Medical procedures

Several medical procedures can be employed for pain control, such as surgery, nerve blocks, and snipping of overactive nerves. Much extensive research is underway for developing high-tech techniques that will enable the blocking of pain or minimising it with the help of electrical currents, radio waves, or medication pumps.

  • Complementary therapies:

Some of the alternative therapies being used by people are,

  • acupuncture

  • biofeedback

  • meditation

  • relaxation

  • visualisation

  • Change in lifestyle

Patients are capable of managing their pain by ensuring that they remain as healthy as they possibly can. For example, if a person smokes, it will help to stop smoking to let your body recover and get healthier.  Patients must reach a healthy weight and maintain it, and this will help prevent the stress exerted by excess weight on the various joints, such as knees and hips, that are suffering from chronic pain.  Patients need to maintain good nutrition quality for overall health.  Furthermore, exercising can also help to prevent or relieve pain.  

Some unique challenges arising from chronic pain

Persons who face chronic pain might be incapable of fully performing their daily tasks, leading an enjoyable life or even carrying out their professional duties.  Some persons with chronic pain even encounter problems of other nature that could prove to be of a more severe nature compared with the pain they were suffering, for example, opioid addiction.  Opioids, also known as narcotics, refer to medications doctors prescribe to treat severe, persistent, or chronic pain. Generally, people who have chronic backache or headache, those who are recovering from surgery, those suffering from cancer-related severe pain, children and adults who have suffered a sports injury or who have suffered severe injuries due to a fall, auto accident, or other incidents are prescribed these medications by competent practitioners. Even though opioids can be very effective at treating pain, they are highly addictive, especially when taken for a long time. Due to this reason, it is essential to use opioids only under a physician’s supervision, one who is clear about how these medications work and their safe usage. 

Anesthesiologist and chronic pain

Even though anesthesiologists manage pain before, during and after surgery, some also specialise in managing chronic pain. Research over several decades conducted by anesthesiologists has enabled more effective treatments in patients suffering from chronic pain.

The human spine and nerves that register pain are incredibly delicate; therefore, obtaining expertise and specialised training is essential. Specialists in pain medicine also prescribe various medications for effective pain alleviation.

An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor at Manipal Hospitals was specialises in anaesthesia, critical care medicine, and pain management. Though every anesthesiologist can provide pain treatment, some also have a field in pain medicine with unique experience and skills for caring for persons suffering from chronic pain. 

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

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