Pain is an intricate, ambiguous sensation that is often more than just an expression. However, oftentimes, it is linked to a tissue damage and as part of the body’s mechanism, it simply allows the body to react and prevent further tissue damage for some cases.
Though we experience this commonly, it is something that people should pay attention to too many underlying reasons can actually cause pain. It is a message that there is something wrong going on your body, so don’t wait for more than a few days or a week to visit a doctor. Delaying an evaluation and treatment can make many acute pain problems worse. A person can describe pain in so many ways and experience in different levels, hence, “subjective” and highly individualized experience. What is painful to one person might not be painful to another person and vice versa. Thus, difficult to diagnose and treat.
There are 2 types of pain, acute or chronic. Acute pain is generally short and intense, the fight or flight response of the body that often results in a faster heartbeat and breathing rates. Chronic pain typically lasts longer, mild or severe, intermittent or continuous and can have real effects on a person’s daily life and mental health. Diagnosis greatly relies on a person’s subjective description of the pain as there are no objective tests to point specifically the main problem. Therefore, the only best thing is to conduct a detailed pain history from the patients. Also, doctors used to measure pain with the following:
• Faces Scale – A series of faces is shown to the person in pain, ranging from distressed to happy.
• Numeric Rating scales – measure pain on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 means no pain at all and 10 means the worst pain imaginable.
• Verbal descriptor scale – used to measure cognitively impaired children, seniors, or people with autism and dyslexia. Instead of numbers, different descriptive questions are asked to narrow down the type of pain the patient is feeling.
The following are also clear indicators of pain:
• Grimacing
• Crying
• Sleeping problems
• Restlessness
• Groaning
Treatment and Management
Treating acute pain usually involves taking medicines.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) – these are painkillers and can reduce pain in a matter of minutes. They are available over the counter.
• Opioids – are used for most extreme pains, such as bone fracture, cancer, and following surgery.
Though taking medicines will immediately alleviate pain, the following are best suggested and highly encouraged to manage pain as an alternative to any medication.
• Rest
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Relaxation Therapy
• Hypnosis
• Guided imagery
• Music therapy
• Biofeedback
• Massage
• Heat therapy
• Stay well hydrated
Practicing these natural pain killers will not only save your cash but will definitely save your body from all of the side effects of analgesics in the long run. Be assertive, manage your pain accordingly.
Reference:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
