How is chronic pain treated?
Treating chronic pain can be challenging. And it may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief. The goals of treatment are to reduce your pain and help you be able to function.
It's important to build a clear treatment plan with your doctor. Part of this plan includes finding ways for you to manage your pain. Only you know how bad your pain is and how it affects your life. Be sure to ask your doctor if you aren't clear about what steps you can take when pain occurs or gets worse.
Be sure to seek treatment if your pain lasts longer than 2 to 3 months. Early treatment may prevent the pain from getting worse.
Treatment options
You may be able to control your pain at home by using pain relievers. These include over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Practicing healthy habits, such as exercising and getting enough sleep, may help your pain. You can also try to improve your coping skills and reduce stress.
When home treatment isn't enough, other treatments may be needed. They include:
- Pain medicines or medicines to treat problems that are linked to chronic pain.
- Treatments such as counseling, physical therapy, and complementary therapies.
- Surgery, such as intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation.
If your chronic pain isn't relieved after you have tried numerous treatments, you may want to think about going to a pain management clinic. Treatment is provided by a team of doctors who work together to address all the things that may cause your chronic pain.
