Pain is the body's way of responding to any injury. It may be triggered by muscle tension, stiffness, weakness, spasms, or even feelings of frustration, anger, and fear. The pain message is sent through the spinal cord to the brain, where it is interpreted.
Pain that occurs for a short period of time is considered as the case of an 'acute pain'; it goes away as your injury heals. Persistent pain is that continues after that is generally called chronic pain because it lasts beyond the expected time for healing. Along with discomfort, it might interfere a lot with daily activities and interactions.
The following strategies will provide you information to manage and cope with pain effectively:
Heat and ice: Heat, in the form of warm showers or hot packs, is good for relieving chronic pain or stiff muscles. Cold pack/ice-treatment helps reduce swelling and inflammation, and effectively numbs the pain-sensing nerves in the affected area. Depending on the need, apply heat or cold for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time; and ensure that you protect your skin by placing a towel between your skin and the source of the cold or heat.
Braces/Straps and Supports: They help in reducing pain and inflammation, and at the same time allow the person to resume normal activities while the injury, especially back injury, heals by restricting movement. However, continuous use will weaken back muscles.
Exercise and physical therapy: Exercise raises the level of endorphins, or natural pain killers produced by the brain, in the body. Moderate exercise will help a lot in relieving tension, increasing flexibility, strengthening muscles, and reducing fatigue. Physical therapy will help make correctives in your posture and exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles without injuring a weakened spine.
Acupuncture and acupressure: Acupuncture in the form of inserting needles on vital areas of the body, and Acupressure that involves massaging stimulate nerve endings and cause the brain to release endorphins.
Hypnosis: It can help in effectively reducing perception of pain; some people are hypnotized by therapists and given a post-hypnotic suggestion that reduces the pain they feel
Medication: It is the most popular way to manage pain; pain relievers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants like aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are the most commonly used medications. Although these are believed to be the safest pain relievers available, they can sometimes induce side-effects. Narcotics may be prescribed for short-term acute pain, but should not be used for long periods because they are addictive and can have other side effects. However, ensure that you take them only after being prescribed.
These are the basic methods of managing pain practiced in various hospitals and clinics across the world. Try to relax; it will help you shift your focus away from pain thereby relieving pain. And most importantly, keep track of your pain; visit a professional doctor, health care specialist or a therapist if your pain goes out of control.