There is no single proven test available to diagnose one’s pain. The diagnosis generally used begins with questions about the pain’s location, frequency, and duration. Asking the patient to rate the pain’s intensity on a one to 10 scale is usually included. A physician next will look for painful areas on the person’s body during a physical exam and ask what kind of pain is being perceived. To further find a cause of pain symptoms, he may order imaging tests (x-rays, CT scans, and MRI tests). In some cases where still more diagnosis is necessary, stimulation tests telling exactly which nerves or muscles are affected by pain may include the EMG, nerve conduction studies, and the EP studies.
The aim of pain management is to relieve the pain and improve quality of the patient’s life. Treating pain includes the below methods:
1. Medicines: Over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are prescribed for milder pain. Opioids or narcotics, including morphine, are used for moderate to severe pain. NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and pain medicine, may also reduce a body fever. Anesthesia is numbing medicine used to control pain by blocking pain signals from the nerves. Pain from cancer may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Other medicines include anti-anxiety/anti-depressant meds, anti-convulsant meds, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and steroids.
2. Surgery and other procedures: In some cases, surgery to cut nerves or remove some joints may be necessary. The attending physician may also need to treat the pain with ultrasound, radio waves, thermal, or laser therapy.
3. Alternative therapies: These include rehabilitation/physical therapy/prescribed exercises, acupuncture, chiropractic therapy, and dietary supplements. Also, mind-body therapies, such as bio-feedback training, hypnosis, meditation, and other relaxation therapies/exercises, as well as electrical stimulation and heat/cold application, can be used to help the pain level.
How can a patient help themselves daily to minimize pain? Learning from the treatments used by the pain specialists can be important here.
1. Educate yourself. Know what you can do to maximize your physical shortcomings, thereby trying to alleviate your pain as much as possible.
2. Understand and use pain-reducing medicines carefully.
3. Surround yourself with optimistic people that will help you reduce your stress level.
4. Exercise to improve your mind’s happier endorphins and to strengthen weakened muscles.
5. Eat healthy with foods rich in whole grains, fresh produce, and low-fat protein.
6. Explore varying forms of alternative medicines.
7. See your pain doctor(s) as often as necessary.
8. Get a good night’s sleep by avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
9. Practice stress-managing techniques that can help to relax the body’s muscles impinging on nerves.
10. Keep your mind busy: volunteer or involve yourself in a hobby.
