Prevention and At-Home Methods that Can Help Stop Pain in its Tracks
As you get older, the chance that you’ll experience some form of chronic pain becomes more and more likely. This can come in the form of throbbing pain, sharp pain, or general soreness in any area of the body. The good news is that there are solutions available for those who are suffering, most of which can be done at home or using holistic methods. In the following article, we will discuss the four most common types of chronic pain that people experience, their causes, and some ways in which to alleviate them.
#1 – Knee and Joint Pain
Around 30% of people report that they suffer with some form of joint pain, which means it’s one of the most common forms of chronic pain that Americans face. There are several potential causes for knee and joint pain. Arthritis, which affects about one in four adults, is one of the leading causes of chronic joint pain. Other causes include overworking the joint, age-related conditions, trauma (sports injury), and inactivity. Whatever the cause, it can greatly affect mobility and quality of life.
#2 – Arthritis
Over fifty million people are currently dealing with arthritis, which is a painful condition that affects the joints and makes them feel swollen and sore. Joints can also feel like they’re burning or stiff, depending on the severity. It’s a hard condition to deal with, especially if you enjoy being active. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic conditions in which pain management becomes critical in order to carry on with daily activities.
#3 – Neck Pain
The neck is one of the body’s most delicate areas. Millions of people suffer with neck pain on a chronic level, and the causes can range from something as simple as bad posture while sitting at your office desk to getting whiplash during an automobile accident. Neck pain can also be caused by any of the following:
- Cervical spondylosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease or slipped/bulging disc
- Strain or overuse
- Worn joints
- Nerve compression
#4 – Back Pain
Roughly 8% of Americans experience chronic back pain. Not unlike the neck, the back is susceptible to many different types of pain that can occur in the low back, lumbar region, upper back, and shoulder area. Causes of back pain include:
- Poor posture
- Being overweight or obese
- Strain or overuse
- Spinal issues
- Degenerative disc disease or slipped/bulging disc
- Osteoporosis
- Pinched nerves
Finding Relief for Your Chronic Pain
As we’ve outlined here, chronic pain can come from multiple sources and occur in virtually any point in the body. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, the best way to address it is by seeing an orthopedic doctor or a pain management specialist. They are trained in examining individuals and addressing the root cause of their chronic pain issues.
Some of the most common ways you can help relieve your chronic pain can be done holistically or buy using over-the-counter/at-home methods. The following is a listing of ways to combat chronic pain:
- OTC meds: over-the-counter meds such as Advil or Tylenol can provide temporary relief for the symptoms of chronic pain
- Heat/ice therapy: heat and ice can be used to ease pain and reduce inflammation; experiment with both and see which brings you the most relief
- Exercise: regular low-impact activity such as walking, swimming, yoga, or stretching can help relieve chronic pain by keeping the muscles and joints in regular use
- Physical therapy: in the event of chronic pain due to trauma or surgery, a physical therapist can put you on a regiment of physical activity designed to reduce your pain and improve your mobility
- Massage therapy: can target sore/aching areas of the body and provide temporary relief
- Acupuncture: this holistic method of treatment is known to reduce pain and inflammation in affected joints using strategic placement of very thin needles
- Topicals: certain topical creams or ointments contain lidocaine or other numbing agents can provide relief in the applied area
- Non-surgical manipulation/adjustment: physicians such as a chiropractor, pain management specialist, or orthopedic doctor can perform decompression techniques on the spine to provide back pain relief
- Injections: physicians can perform steroid injections at the site of pain or inflammation to offer relief to the affected joint
End Your Chronic Pain Today
As we’ve outlined, chronic pain can originate virtually anywhere in the body and millions of Americans suffer with it. However, there are plenty of solutions for chronic pain, both over-the-counter and prescribed through a pain management clinic. In fact, there are pain management doctors in your area that are trained in methods of relieving chronic pain, no matter where it’s taking place in the body. Best way to get started is by making an appointment with one so that they can give you a full evaluation. Pain management clinics seek to identify the root cause of your chronic pain in order to administer the most effective treatment.
Schedule your appointment today!
