Pain Management Specialist

Pain is an annoying sensory and emotional experience, which is caused due to the damage of any tissue. In general, pain is considered as a symptom of an underlying condition, which motivates an individual to evacuate himself or herself from a damaging situation. Pain is believed to be one amongst the common reason for visiting the hospital.

What is pain management?

Pain management is a medical approach that is associated with prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pain. Analgesic medications, massage therapy, physical therapy, and some steroidal injections are used in the management of pain.

Types of pain

Pain is generally categorized into two types they are:

  • Acute pain
  • Chronic pain

Acute pain: Acute pain is a mild pain, which has a direct relationship with the damage of soft tissues and lasts for less than three to six months. It is present for a short period and resolves gradually once the injured tissue gets healed.

Chronic pain: Chronic pain is a severe, ongoing pain that lasts for more than six months. The pain gets worse and reoccurs occasionally even after the injury or illness is healed. Low back pain, headache, and arthritic pain are considered as the most common source of chronic pain.

How to manage pain?

Early treatment for pain is essential to reduce the risk of pain progression. However, acute pain can be managed by improving sleep, reducing stress, and practicing certain healthy habits.

Chronic pain can be managed with the help of medications such as:

  • NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Antidepressants
  • Corticosteroids
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Opioids
  • Topical analgesics
  • Surgical approach for pain management:

When all the above treatment options fail, then surgery is recommended. Surgery for chronic pain is very uncommon and may damage the ability to feel other sensations, such as change in temperature and touch.
The doctor uses certain pain scales or questionnaires, for better understanding of the pain experienced by the patient. Certain physical and diagnostic tests are performed to know the underlying medical condition that is causing the pain.

Based on the assessment and viewpoints of neurology, psychiatry, psychology and physical therapy, the surgical procedure is initiated.

Types of surgery for pain management
  • Implanted pain control system
  • Decompression

Implanted pain control system:

Implanted pain control system involves introduction of certain devices beneath the skin. Certain medications, electric current, chemicals or heat are used in the devices to either numb or block the pain.

Decompression:

Decompression is a surgical process recommended for the treatment of nerve pain. In this procedure, the surgeon tries to move the blood vessels or any other structures of the body, by cutting and opening the skin to make the nerve free from pain.

Complications after surgery
  • Infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Mood swings
  • Restlessness

Staying fit and getting back to normal life is the main goal after any surgery, which is achieved only when proper diet and exercise suggested by the doctor are followed. doctor are followed.