Sciatica Treatment | Sciatica Pain Relief

Common Pain Relief Methods and Pain Relief Treatments

Do you often experience pain? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from various types of pain each day. We will discuss some common pain relief methods. We will also talk about the available treatments to help alleviate your pain.

1. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is one of the most common pain relief treatments. It’s a medication that you’ve probably heard of before as Tylenol. It works by blocking nerve endings from sending pain signals to your brain. But, be careful not to take too much acetaminophen because it can cause liver damage.

 

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

This group of pain relief treatments includes ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, and ketoprofen. NSAIDs work by decreasing hormones that cause inflammation to occur in your body. Some people take these medications for arthritis or migraines.

 

3. Opioids

Opioids work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to a decrease in your perception of pain. One common opioid is morphine, which can be found in prescription drugs like Kadian and Avinza. However, these medications become addictive over time, and they may cause constipation. Chronic use can also lead to organ damage and greater pain sensitivity.

 

4. Topical Analgesics

This group of treatments includes capsaicin (found in chili peppers), lidocaine (used as a numbing agent), and camphor (typically used for muscle aches). These substances are rubbed directly onto your skin where you feel the pain to lessen its intensity. Many people find relief by using menthol-containing creams, which cause a cooling sensation on your skin.

 

5. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units

A TENS unit is an FDA-approved device that emits electrical impulses to your nerves via electrodes attached to your skin. The electrical impulses block the pain signals sent to your brain. People have used this type of treatment for years, but there is still some debate regarding its effectiveness. Some insurance companies cover the cost of these units because they are deemed safe and noninvasive. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that nothing can replace seeing your doctor if you have severe pain issues.

 

6. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (Pemfs)

In addition to TENS units, PEMFs are often used to help treat chronic pain. This type of treatment uses electromagnetic fields generated by a machine placed underneath your body part that hurts. These fields “stimulate the body’s natural electrical currents,” which can help reduce inflammation and nerve pain while speeding up tissue repair.

 

7. Massage therapy

Massage therapy is another common form of pain relief that you might not realize works so well. It works in several ways:

  • Reducing stress
  • Increasing feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine
  • Releasing endorphins (the same chemicals produced when exercising)

These health benefits, combined with the physical benefits of massage, such as increased range of motion and blood circulation, can help with pain management.

 

Conclusion

The treatments listed above are just a few options to help manage pain. Other types of treatment involve hypnosis, acupuncture, and chiropractic. So, if you’re in pain or know someone who is, do some research to find out which approach will work best for your particular situation. At Spine and Joint Center of Fort Lauderdale, we customize our pain relief methods for our clients, to ensure they’re getting the best treatments available.