The first step towards finding solutions for chronic pain is acknowledging that it indeed is a problem. One will need to consult their doctor to ask about the symptoms of chronic pain. When you see a doctor to explain what you are experiencing, it will be possible to know the source of the problem and thus come up with comprehensive treatment plan. There are many chronic pain solutions that one can consider.
One of the treatment options involves use of antidepressants. There are old versions of these medications that are helpful in controlling pain. Tricyclic antidepressants are particularly very effective. These medications have qualities which enable them to relieve pains in lower doses than what would be used in curing depression. Antidepressants are never to be taken only when one feels pains but as indicated in the prescription. They are taken whether one experiences pains or not.
Physicians will try to lessen the side effects of antidepressants, especially sedation, by having the patient take them only at night. Other side effects include dry mouth which is treated by drinking lots of fluids and water. Not all patients are candidates for antidepressants though. For instance, those with some types of glaucoma should not take them. In addition, they must never be taken in larger doses than was prescribed.
There are anticonvulsants that are also helpful. They are useful in the case of some forms of nerve pains and should be taken as prescribed whether there is pain or not. They might come with side effects of drowsiness that improve with time. In some cases, a patient might experience weight gain. People with kidney stones or glaucoma should inform the doctor before starting their doses. Newer versions of these medications do not need liver monitoring but should be cautiously used by patients with kidney disease.
If opioids are used as required, they in a great way help with reduction of pains. The downside is that they are not as effective and one will need to use them in higher doses for optimal results. If the pains are experienced throughout the day and night, there are long acting categories that are preferred. Opioids bring about constipation as a possible side effect but this is easily controlled by drinking lots of fluids. Drowsiness is experienced but reduces as one slowly gets used to the medication.
One can also go for epidural injection. This is an injection at the back of the neck so that an anti-inflammatory steroid is placed without using anesthesia. These injections are useful when the pains affect hands, legs or the back. On occasions, they are done under x-ray guidance. Side effects like numbness and soreness will go away over time.
Celiac plexus block is performed for relief in patients who have pancreatic cancer. It is also done in those with any other forms of abdominal aches. There is placement of a needle through the back which will deposit numbing medicine to an area with a group of nerves known as celiac plexus.
Celiac plexus injections are done to check whether a patient can benefit better from more permanent injections. If there is considerable relief, longer lasting injections are used. Treating chronic pain varies depending on types of chronic pain.
One of the treatment options involves use of antidepressants. There are old versions of these medications that are helpful in controlling pain. Tricyclic antidepressants are particularly very effective. These medications have qualities which enable them to relieve pains in lower doses than what would be used in curing depression. Antidepressants are never to be taken only when one feels pains but as indicated in the prescription. They are taken whether one experiences pains or not.
Physicians will try to lessen the side effects of antidepressants, especially sedation, by having the patient take them only at night. Other side effects include dry mouth which is treated by drinking lots of fluids and water. Not all patients are candidates for antidepressants though. For instance, those with some types of glaucoma should not take them. In addition, they must never be taken in larger doses than was prescribed.
There are anticonvulsants that are also helpful. They are useful in the case of some forms of nerve pains and should be taken as prescribed whether there is pain or not. They might come with side effects of drowsiness that improve with time. In some cases, a patient might experience weight gain. People with kidney stones or glaucoma should inform the doctor before starting their doses. Newer versions of these medications do not need liver monitoring but should be cautiously used by patients with kidney disease.
If opioids are used as required, they in a great way help with reduction of pains. The downside is that they are not as effective and one will need to use them in higher doses for optimal results. If the pains are experienced throughout the day and night, there are long acting categories that are preferred. Opioids bring about constipation as a possible side effect but this is easily controlled by drinking lots of fluids. Drowsiness is experienced but reduces as one slowly gets used to the medication.
One can also go for epidural injection. This is an injection at the back of the neck so that an anti-inflammatory steroid is placed without using anesthesia. These injections are useful when the pains affect hands, legs or the back. On occasions, they are done under x-ray guidance. Side effects like numbness and soreness will go away over time.
Celiac plexus block is performed for relief in patients who have pancreatic cancer. It is also done in those with any other forms of abdominal aches. There is placement of a needle through the back which will deposit numbing medicine to an area with a group of nerves known as celiac plexus.
Celiac plexus injections are done to check whether a patient can benefit better from more permanent injections. If there is considerable relief, longer lasting injections are used. Treating chronic pain varies depending on types of chronic pain.
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