Pain Management Strategies a Doctor May Recommend

Doctors use many approaches to help patients address chronic pain so they can return to daily activities. Some strategies focus on relieving symptoms, and others aim to target the underlying causes or improve function. A pain management specialist contemplates the specific condition, medical history, and the nature of the pain before exploring possible solutions. Here are several pain management approaches a doctor may recommend:

Medications

Medication is a possible starting point for pain management. You may find that the specific type your doctor recommends will shift, depending on the underlying cause and the intensity of your pain. Options include:

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: For mild to moderate pain, options such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be recommended.
Prescription medications: For more significant pain, doctors sometimes prescribe stronger NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or other types of pain relievers.

Antidepressants or antiseizure medications are used in some cases. These can be effective for certain types of nerve-related pain. Opioids are effective for severe short-term pain or in other specific situations, but their use is carefully monitored due to potential risks.

Using medications exactly as prescribed is a key practice in safe pain management. Discuss any side effects you notice with your provider. This ongoing conversation helps you and your doctor make informed choices, including when switching medications or combining therapies. It guides dosage adjustments, and it makes sure your treatment supports your overall well-being.

Epidural Steroid Injections

When inflammation in the spine triggers your pain, your doctor may recommend epidural steroid injections. This approach involves delivering a corticosteroid, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, directly into the epidural space around your spinal nerves. The treatment aims to reduce inflammation and swelling, which may help relieve pressure on nerves and decrease pain. Doctors contemplate these injections for conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis. Relief following an injection may be temporary, but it creates a key window to engage in physical therapy and other rehabilitative exercises.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is available for certain types of chronic pain that haven’t responded well to other treatments. SCS involves using a small, implanted device that sends low levels of electricity to the spinal cord. These electrical impulses work to interrupt pain signals as they move toward your brain; this offers lasting relief.

Before your doctor implants a permanent device, they’ll recommend a trial period. This step helps determine if spinal cord stimulation provides beneficial relief for you. Doctors may contemplate SCS as an option for managing complex regional pain syndrome or ongoing pain after back surgery.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Like spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) relies on electrical impulses as a key tool for pain management. PNS specifically targets peripheral nerves; these are the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. By focusing on these particular nerves, the approach aims to interrupt pain messages early on, offering helpful relief. A small electrode is placed near the targeted nerve, and a device delivers mild electrical pulses to disrupt pain signals. This method can be ideal for pain limited to a specific region, such as a joint, or pain that stems from nerve injury.

Find a Pain Management Specialist

Pain is caused by various conditions, and it ranges from mild, occasional discomfort to severe, chronic pain that significantly impacts daily life. Managing it means exploring different strategies and learning which are most helpful for your situation. Understanding treatments such as medications, injections, and nerve stimulation provides key knowledge for making informed decisions with your healthcare provider. Meet with a pain management specialist today to discuss your symptoms and goals.