Video:Options to Control Pain
with Dr. Robert FenellThere are countless different types of pain that we have to deal with over the course of our lives, and there are just as many ways to treat that pain. Here are a number of options for controlling pain.See Transcript
Transcript:Options to Control Pain
Hello, I'm Dr. Robert Fenell, founder of HandAndFootClinicsOfAmerica.com, and I'm here today on behalf of About.com to talk to you about the options for controlling pain.
Medication for Controlling Pain
If you suffer from long-term chronic pain, or acute pain from a recent injury, there are many different options available to help you alleviate your pain. It would be a good idea to consult with your primary care doctor, so he or she can diagnose exactly where the pain is coming from. Once the source of the pain is located, then the appropriate treatment can be implemented. There are several different types of prescription medications available to control pain, including NSAIDS, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or muscle relaxers, for muscle type pain or spasms, and corticosteroids when we're dealing with an autoimmune inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Conservative Options for Pain Relief
There are also many conservative options available for controlling and moderating pain as well. Some of these include chiropractic manipulation, to relieve nerve pressure, misaligned vertebrae, or other misaligned joints in order to relieve pain, stiffness and discomfort, and to improve function and range of motion. Physical therapy is used to improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength, to specific areas of the body.
Alternative Methods for Pain Relief
Other alternatives for pain management include: acupuncture or acupressure, massage therapy, reflexology, psychotherapy, and other natural remedies. While pain medications are widely used, many people are now looking for other, more alternative methods to alleviating and controlling their pain patterns. This is because of the many side effects that go along with pain-reliever type medications. Be certain to consult with your primary care physician or pharmacist, and be totally aware of the possible side effects and risks of any pain reliever medication that you may be taking.
Thanks so much for watching today. To learn more, visit us online at About.com.
