When Should Pain Management Begin?
Managing pain ensures you recover after a traumatic event like an injury or surgery to improve your overall well-being. Identifying the right time to begin pain management enhances a patient’s experience and overall outcome. Your doctor (dr) provides personalized treatments to help you manage your pain. Here are some factors that influence when to start and contact a pain management dr:
Understanding Pain and Its Impact
Pain is categorized into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute pain is linked to a specific injury or illness and lasts for a short time. Chronic pain is persistent and caused by conditions such as arthritis or nerve damage. It can last indefinitely. Chronic pain might occur even when there is no underlying injury or tissue damage, unlike acute pain, which serves a protective role. Persistent pain can lead to decreased muscle strength and an overall decline in physical fitness.
When Can Pain Management Begin?
Pain management after an injury or surgery can help control symptoms and allow a faster healing process. Acute pain linked to physical trauma, such as a broken bone, can be managed by pain medications and physical therapy that is prescribed by a doctor. This helps relieve discomfort and reduces the risk of complications such as secondary injuries or re-injury.
People suffering from chronic diseases, such as arthritis, can start controlling their pain once a diagnosis has been made. Doctors recommend lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and at-home remedies to maintain a better quality of life and reduce the chances of worsening symptoms. People with chronic, non-urgent pain may visit doctors to get clarification regarding the reasons behind permanent pain.
Individuals should begin pain management when pain affects their routine daily activities, such as walking or sleeping. This helps reduce the risks of additional health problems, including fatigue and stress. Consulting a pain management dr can help provide treatment solutions beyond over-the-counter medications to improve your condition. Cold therapy, relaxation techniques, or other non-invasive treatments may be used to improve day-to-day functioning.
Benefits of Early Pain Management
Early pain management prevents acute pain from developing into chronic conditions and help you maintain comfort. Unaddressed pain after an injury can cause nerve damage, making the body more sensitive and responsive to pain signals. This increases the likelihood of short-term pain that leads to persistent, chronic pain. Managing pain early after surgery allows patients to stay active and follow rehabilitation guidelines that help improve strength and mobility. This helps with faster healing while reducing risks of complications to improve the overall recovery process.
Consult a Pain Management Dr
Acute and chronic pain can diminish your quality of life and limit your ability to do daily activities. Healthcare providers provide pain management services to help patients alleviate pain symptoms. Pain specialists may administer epidural steroid injections to treat pain caused by disc herniation, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Facet injections can deliver steroids to a joint to reduce pain and inflammation. Contact a pain consultant today to help you manage your injuries.
