Those who suffer from chronic pain are willing to do anything for relief. Some turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, but don’t take steps to treat the source of the pain rather than the pain itself. These temporary reliefs are not only less effective, but are dangerously addictive and can have terrible consequences when abused. Choosing a more targeted approach to pain management can be safer and more effective in the long run.
Opioids are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for pain management. They work by blocking signals of pain to the brain, creating a relaxing and calming effect on the user. For those in pain regularly, this calmness can be incredibly addicting because your body becomes used to the dopamine levels the relaxation brings. Your body begins to need the drug to operate, and if you avoid them you can suffer withdrawal symptoms like shaking, vomiting, anxiety, and more. You also become tolerant of them, requiring more to get the same feeling, putting you in danger of overdosing. These treatments affect the entirety of the body, not just the source of the pain. If you want to stop your pain without relying on medication, you need to treat the root of the problem.
Interventional pain care treatments are procedures that can offer relief and even help heal injuries. They often consist of injecting something into the affected area that provides localized relief. This can be blocking pain signals, stimulating nerves or muscles, or repairing damage to the area. As opposed to opioids that need to be taken daily, these treatments can provide relief that lasts for days, weeks, months, or more when performed according to your pain care specialist’s plan.
Some common procedures are:
- Nerve Blocks
- Spinal Cord Simulators
- Epidurals
Unfortunately, interventional methods do not work for everyone. Those who do not react well to these treatments will have little choice but to resort to painkillers for relief. If you do end up using opioids, be sure to take them responsibly under doctor’s supervision. You are much less likely to become addicted when you take them as prescribed.
Anesthesia Pain Care Consultants (APCC) are a group of Floridian pain specialists that help chronic pain sufferers find relief through various pain care treatments. Dr. Ira Fox and his team in Southern Florida have more than 100 combined years of experience with pain management. They provide physical therapy, interventional pain treatments, medical management of pain, and psychological intervention to help you every step of the treatment process. If you want to live with less pain, schedule an appointment to find out how they can help. Visit: https://apccfl.com
