National Pain Awareness Week- Managing pain

Pain is one of this nation’s most serious health problems—it is our silent epidemic. Approximately 15% or 6 million people suffer chronic pain that interferes with quality of life and productivity, and places a huge burden on our already strained health care system. More than half of hospitalized patients in Canada suffer significant acute pain and under-treatment of acute pain is a predictor of chronic pain.

Are There Things I Can Do Besides Taking Medication That Can Help My Pain?

Chiropractic- Visit a chiropractor. The chiropractic management of chronic pain depends, of course, on each individual's needs. For many chronic pain patients, gentle techniques such as low force chiropractic manipulation, joint mobilization, muscle techniques and other manual techniques can be very helpful.

TENS unit- "TENS" is the acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A "TENS unit" is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. The electrical currents produced are mild, but can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain and may raise the level of endorphins (natural pain killers produced by the brain). TENS units should only be used under the direction of a doctor or chiropractor. Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain. TENS units are prescribed for both acute pain and chronic pain conditions. For some chronic pain patients, a TENS unit provides pain relief that can last for several hours. For others, a TENS unit may help reduce the amount of pain medications needed. Some patients hook the unit onto a belt turning it on and off as needed.

Massage – Visit a massage therapist . If the area where you have pain is too tender to be massaged an aqua [water] massage can be just as relaxing. Plan a time each day to have a massage; perhaps at a time before your pain usually gets worse or when you feel anxious. Massage oil or lotion helps keep the area you are massaging slippery. Be sure to tell the person massaging what feels good to you and stop if it makes the pain worse.

Heat – Heat is generally best for achy, cramping pain because it helps to relax tense muscles. Tense muscles cause pain due to a build up of lactic acid. Try a grain-filled heat bag that can be warmed up in the microwave. Follow the directions of the heat bag manufacturer to prevent burns.

Cold – Cold therapy is generally best for pain that comes from an injury, such as a sprained ankle, because it reduces swelling and inflammation. Use a commercially available ice pack or make your own out of a pack of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel or pillowcase. Try using a cold pack for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Use a 6 inch elastic bandage to wrap your cold pack around the body area in need of pain relief. (Do not use cold therapy on areas of broken skin or poor circulation) Topical creams – Topical analgesic creams can be helpful for some types of pain, such as arthritis or backache. Some creams have methyl salicylate (similar to Aspirin), some contain menthol, and some contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is a derivative of chili peppers.