Pain: Part 1

There are three stages of pain.  First there is immediate pain, which is felt right after an injury.  It is the body’s natural response that protects itself from dangerous situations.  This type of pain is useful because it encourages us to stop doing something that may harm our body.  Acute pain occurs in the days and weeks following an injury.  This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.  After the injured area heals, though, this pain subsides.  If there is still pain after the injury heals this is considered chronic pain.  This type of pain often affects both physical and emotional well-being as it is very long lasting.  In some cases it may never go away but it can be reduced with medication and treatments. 

For small aches and pains, a lifestyle change may be what you need to feel relief.  Posture plays a big role in lower back pain.  Often focusing on maintaining better posture can alleviate pain.  Your diet may also be a factor contributing your pain.  It is important to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. 

Massages have also been shown to relieve pain.  They increase blood circulation and reduce tension, making it a good treatment for chronic pain patients. 

Many doctors will recommend physical therapy after an injury or for someone with chronic pain.  Therapists help in several ways to aid in pain relief.  They provide exercises to strengthen the weak muscles and to improve range of motion.  They will also break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation.  The body can get stiff after suffering an injury, which can make it harder to move.  It is important to prevent or reduce this stiffness so it doesn’t cause additional pain.

 

Hydrotherapy can be especially helpful in treating patients with chronic pain because it takes some weight off of the affected area.  Physical therapy can help restore function and can allow you to return to your day-to-day activities.   

TENS therapy is useful in treating acute and chronic pain.  TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.  It uses low-voltage electric current to help block pain signals that your body is sending to your brain.  Many people find some relief from this form of therapy.