How Do I Manage The Pain After Recovery?

In his article on the management of chronic pain, our Executive Director, Jeff Gorin succinctly describes the various techniques and methods that can be used on an ongoing basis to combat chronic pain with much reduced exposure to the risk of dependence or addiction. Listed below are summaries of some of the many useful and effective tools that Jeff compiled as a reference point. Of course, a qualified physician should approve all techniques before you attempt them:

1. Physical Therapy: As the most effective treatment of all, it is also widely available and often at a reasonable cost. Most of us have gone through physical therapy before and as a treatment for chronic pain it has proven to be effective. Physical therapy also strengthens other parts of our bodies which in turn can be used to take the pressure off of the area in pain. Exercises emphasizing good posture are some of the most effective and essential in treating chronic pain issues.

2. Heat or Ice Therapy: You should always keep a couple reusable ice packs in your freezer should the need for them arise. Ice is fast acting and can reduce inflammation, making it effective on most pain. Heat can be used to soothe sore muscles and increase circulation to the affected area helping reduce the effects of chronic pain. Ask your physician about a heat/ice therapy regimen to make sure this will help you and is safe.

3. Relaxation Techniques: Stress is a major source of pain and the resulting pain causes stress, a self-fulfilling cycle. Relaxation techniques help reduce stress and muscle spasms and increase blood flow to major muscles. There are various methods of relaxation including deep breathing, visualization, yoga, massage and music. Some methods are more effective than others, depending upon the source of the pain. As a starting point, deep breathing exercises can be very effective since it is the body’s natural way to relax. Massage Therapy also works well when used alone or combined with other pain management techniques.

4. Alternative Medicine: Chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, reflexology and others have become popular and effective forms of alternative pain management techniques. This is usually implemented after in-patient treatment is complete, however this depends on the particular recovery program.

5. Proper Diet: Overweight patients are more likely to experience additional pain because of the additional stress on the body’s joints and muscles. A nutritionist can be very helpful in prescribing healthy eating habits for optimal and safe weight loss.

6. Psychological and Psychiatric Support: There are many programs specializing in addiction and chronic pain and it is these programs that will have the appropriate counselors and psychiatrists to most effectively help with the management of your pain. They can provide emotional and spiritual help through individual and group therapy.

7. Medications: All treatment programs of this nature have staff physicians than can prescribe non-mood-altering medications that are just as good as, if not better than narcotics and benzodiazepines. Remember, mood-altering medications are no longer effective once a tolerance builds, and it’s likely that the medications you abused have stopped providing physical relief.

8. Setting Goals: We can raise our self-esteem and hope by setting and reaching manageable goals. So once we are able to accept our pain, it is important that we begin setting specific goals. These goals are a major function of treatment planning. Look to your counselor who will provide guidance and help set goals.

There are many other ways to manage chronic pain which are not listed above. Every individual responds best to different forms so it may take a while to find your optimal therapy. With the help of a physician and properly trained counselor you should be able to find the appropriate modality.