Pain Management

Pain affects individuals of all age groups, especially those over the age of 60. Pain management doctors at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, help people manage various types of pain. To assist in pain management, doctors employ approaches such as medication, therapy, injections, and exercise. As a result, pain management enhances an individual’s quality of life by addressing chronic pain.

What is Pain Management?

Pain, whether acute or chronic, is one of the most common symptoms associated with several diseases, conditions, injuries, and disorders. It can also arise as a consequence of treatment for certain conditions or diseases. Doctors may offer pain management therapies, medication, exercise, or injections, depending on the condition of the patient. While the pain may not completely disappear (based on its cause), doctors work with patients to reduce their pain and improve their overall quality of life.

What are the Types of Pain?

To understand pain management, it is important to understand the types of pain:

1. Acute – Acute pain usually results from an injury, causing sharp pain. If not treated promptly, it might lead to long-term pain.
2. Chronic – Pain that lasts for more than 6 months is considered chronic. It can result from untreated injuries or diseases and may also arise from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, or fibromyalgia.
3. Neuropathic – Pain resulting from a nervous condition is called neuropathic pain. Common causes of neuropathic pain include diabetes, HIV, and Multiple Sclerosis.
4. Nociceptive – Nerve cell endings, also known as nociceptors, send pain signals to the brain when a person experiences an injury, such as a broken bone, hand injury, or head trauma. This pain can be acute or chronic, depending on the extent of the damage.

What are the Most Common Causes of Pain?

Pain can occur due to several reasons – a minor injury, an accident, conditions such as cancer, heart attack, swelling, insect bites, etc. Insect bites typically do not require extensive pain management; however, doctors may prescribe certain medications to alleviate pain. In the case of heart attacks and cancer, doctors prescribe medication to manage pain in addition to treating those conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that cause pain:

• Arthritis, Muscle, and Joint Injuries – Arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout can cause severe joint pain. A frozen shoulder is another reason for chronic pain, which might lead to immobility, stiffness, and discomfort.
• Back Injuries – Sciatica, herniated disks, spine problems, etc., are some of the causes of chronic pain and may also result in immobility.
• Endometriosis – Endometriosis causes abdominal pain that feels like period cramps. This condition occurs when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
• Facial Pain – Dental problems and jaw pain are common causes of facial pain, which can be discomforting.
• Kidney Stones – Kidney stones can cause long-term pain, especially during urination.
• Autoimmune Disorders – Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune disorders may cause severe pain, which can disrupt a person’s daily routine.
• Nerve Damage – Damaged nerves might result in severe pain and immobility.

How is Pain Assessed and Diagnosed at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka?

When a person visits our doctor at Apollo Hospital, the doctor asks about the cause of the pain, its location, and its severity. The doctor then inquires about the patient’s daily activities. Therefore, while the doctor assesses the pain, it is important to provide every tiny detail, such as whether it radiates or worsens, and so on.

Sometimes, the doctor might request the patient to rate the severity of the pain on a scale of 0-10. Depending on the severity of the pain, the patient might describe the pain as:

• Sharp or Shooting
• Throbbing or Pounding
• Aching, Dull, or Nagging
• Burning, Stinging, or Pulsing

How is Pain Managed at Apollo Hospital, Karnataka?

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we ensure the selection of the right methods to treat different types of pain. Specific approaches are available for managing each type of pain. The doctor may recommend one or more techniques to manage pain, depending on the type and severity.

• At-Home Remedies: If the pain is acute (and sometimes if it is chronic), certain home remedies can be helpful. The doctor may recommend the RICE method to alleviate pain: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Patients can apply an ice pack or a cold compress for at least 20-30 minutes daily to reduce pain and swelling. Elevating the injured area can also help alleviate pain.
• Counselling and Therapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and biofeedback can assist patients in managing chronic and acute pain by altering their mindset toward physical discomfort. Pain can sometimes lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. Therefore, the doctor may recommend meditation, counselling, and therapy. They also suggest that patients keep a record of what makes their pain better or worse, which can provide an excellent treatment plan.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is also beneficial for pain management. Chiropractic, acupuncture, and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) are some of the best physical therapy options for reducing pain and improving overall body function by aligning and positioning the body.
• Exercise – Pilates, yoga, swimming, walking, and even tai chi are some of the most common exercises recommended by doctors. These exercises reduce pain and complications caused by it. They also help the body work better by promoting proper blood circulation and maintaining posture.
• Injections and Simulations – Injections and simulations are usually given to people with nerve pain. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Radiofrequency Ablation might be administered to alleviate nerve pain. Sometimes steroid injections are given directly where the pain is.
• Lifestyle Changes – Doctors might also recommend some lifestyle changes. If a patient is obese or has extra weight, they may recommend weight loss. It is also important to maintain a proper diet, stay hydrated, and start exercising, as these can help in managing and alleviating pain.
• Medication – Depending on the type of pain, the doctor might recommend over-the-counter or prescription medication to help relieve discomfort. They may also prescribe antibiotics to treat infection, muscle relaxers for spasms, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Some of the drugs might be habit-forming. Thus, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Are There Any Complications of Pain Management?

It is better to discuss the medication, injections, or therapy prescribed with your doctor. This is because each pain medication and injection may have its own side effects or complications.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seeing a doctor should always be a priority, even in the case of minor pain. However, there are situations where a person must see a doctor:

• Feeling depressed or anxious
• Pain that doesn’t improve even after treatment
• Having trouble sleeping due to the pain
• Experiencing discomfort while performing daily chores

Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Living with pain can be mentally exhausting in addition to the physical challenges it presents. Pain can disrupt your daily activities, so it’s important to consult a physician at the earliest opportunity. At Apollo Hospitals, we take pride in prioritising our patients’ health above all else. Our specialised physical therapists, chiropractors, orthopedists, and more provide the utmost care while treating our patients in the best possible way. Call us now to learn more about our procedures and how we diagnose and treat pain.