Get Health Content Here » Pain Relief and Management

Find Out More About Pain Management Now So That Your Life Is Not Put On Hold

Med — Mon, 24 May 2010 01:24:52 +0000

Pain or pain management is something that many of us have to deal with often, sometimes each day that passes by. It is something that can cause serious depression, anxiety and just an overall feeling of worthlessness. There is absolutely no reason for anyone out there to go through life day by day hurting, without any type of relief because it is just pure agony and you have got to know that there are ways to help yourself make it more tolerable or manageable. Talk with your doctor if you are an individual that hurts often because there could be some type of underlying problem. Getting a physical atleast once a year is something that all of you should be doing anyway, just to make sure that your overall health is doing alright. Pain does not have to be something that you just grow accustomed to, you do have options of finding some relief, but sitting there feeling sorry for yourself is not the way that it works.

There are different pain management treatment centers available to help people just like yourself find the relief and coping skills to deal with the pain that you are going through. They have many different available options and after consulting with the doctor you should begin to learn more about pain management and why it is so important for you to be more knowledgeable about it, so that you can continue living your life, instead of being so depressed that your life literally feels like it is on hold. Nobody deserves to hurt all the time and many people struggling with pain each day are still young and putting life on hold, whether you are young or old, is not something that any of you want, I know that. Do something to help you with your pain management today, do not keep sitting there crying about it. Life is too short for you to not do something about this problem that you are having.

Going to the doctor is something that you should definitely do if you are ever having to deal with the same reoccurring pain each day that you wake up. There are many different tests and things that the doctor can do to find out if anything else is going on within your body that you are not aware of. Once it is established that you have no underlying problems your doctor should be able to recommend you to a good, reputable, pain management center close to the area in which you reside. Going to a pain management facility can totally change your life for the better, as long as you continue the treatments as advised and do what the doctors tell you to do. Getting some kind of relief will begin making you feel like you have your life back once again and you will be so thankful that you went ahead and did something for yourself.

Holistic Approaches To Female Problems

Med — Thu, 20 May 2010 08:30:52 +0000

When it comes to female related problems there are a variety of holistic and alternative approaches that work very well. Homeopathy for example is a good therapy to try but be aware that for some problems constitutional treatment is recommended not just for the female but for her male partner as well. For women who have suffered miscarriages before the 12th week, Sabina 6c is an excellent therapy to undergo. For problems such as irregular periods, a lack of libido, or the desire to cry all of the time, Sepia 6C is recommended. Sepia 6c is also recommended for constant feelings of irritability and constant feelings of being cold.

Homeopathy is good for other problems as well. Silica for example is an excellent choice of a constitutional remedy while aurum works for individuals who are constantly exhausted and find themselves suffering from either depression, a lack of sexual desire or both. Females who experience tenderness in their breasts and who may or may not suffer from pockets where there is a great deal of swelling in the breasts should look to conium for help. Conium is also recommended for females who have little if any interest in sex. Females who suffer from vaginas that are dry or who experience tenderness in their abdominal areas over where their right ovary lies should look to lycopodium fro the relief they need to feel better again and to heal.

The surface of the skin has a great deal of nerve endings and these all receive stimuli from a variety of sources on a regular basis. There are more cold receptors on the skin than hot receptors. When water of one temperature touches the skin and the skin is of a different temperature then either heat will be absorbed from the reaction or else heat will be conducted to it. The stimuli involved affect both the hormonal system as well as the sympathetic nervous system. Alternating back and forth between cold and hot sitz baths is extremely beneficial for the circulation of the pelvis. If the water applied to the body is the exact same temperature as the body is presently then this causes a relaxing and calming effect on the nervous system. This is referred to as a neutral bath and it is an excellent tool for both relaxation and stress management.

Hypnotherapy takes into account self-hypnosis, hypno-healing as well as cell command therapy and these are all ways methods that can decrease the amount of stress a person is suffering and also encourage the body and mind to be soothed, calmed and to relax. Hypnotherapy is a way to provide affirmations for health and well being that are very positive and they tend top be very energizing as well.

If a woman has fears about getting pregnant or delivering a baby a hypnotherapist can help her to deal with her fears, by way of regressing her back in time to uncover the root of her fears. Perhaps her mother had problems in delivering one of her children and these fears were translated to the baby.

Ear Pain What You Can Do At Home To Relieve The Pain Fast

Med — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:48:52 +0000

Ear pain can cause major discomfort to babies, kids and adults. It is especially painful and disturbing when it happens during the night, when all you want to do is sleep. Excruciating ear pain interrupts sleep. You need to end the pain fast, so you can get back to sleep. Here are just a few things that you can do to alleviate ear pain fast.

Ear pain remedy will depend so what on the cause of the pain. Common causes of ear pain are:

Swimming without earplugs. Earplugs prevent water from the pool from getting into your ears. When pool water does enter your ear canal, it brings with it bacteria from others who are in the pool. This bacterium can then cause infection, which can cause ear pain.

The common cold can cause ear pain when it increases the pressure in your ear, which will in turn cause your ear to ache. Another cause of ear pain is when there is pain in another part of the body which is physically related to your ear like when you have a toothache. Your mouth is related to your ear by passageways.

Medications:

Tylenol and ibuprofen can help to relieve ear pain when taken in correct dosage. Over dosing can hurt your stomach and should be avoided.

One thing that can be done immediately is that when you are lying down, do so in such a way that they painful ear is facing upwards.

There are ear drops that are antiseptic in nature that can be purchased at the store in advance so that when earaches strike you have them on hand to use. Follow bottle instructions for proper dosage.

Homemade ear drops can be made using warmed up (not hot) olive, garlic or vegetable oil and applied to the painful ear one drop at a time. You can test the oil to see if is warm or hot by placing a drop of oil on your inner arm, much like you would test a baby’s bottle.

DO NOT APPLY ANYTHING TO AN EAR THAT HAS LIQUID OR PUSS COMING OUT OF IT. You must see a doctor right away if anything is coming out of the ear.

Apply a warm washcloth to the ear and the heat will give some pain relief.

You also need to see a doctor if the ear is swollen, or the pain does not go away within 24 hours.

Babies and young children can be held in an upright position and gently rocked back to sleep. If it is possible, elevate the head of the bed slightly so that the head is slightly elevated and not flat while sleeping. This helps to relieve some of the pressure off of the eardrum and there will be less pain.

In some cases giving Tylenol and a decongestant if the nose is stuffy can relieve the ear pain. The Eustachian tube in the ear can become blocked when the person is suffering from a cold or from allergies.

Arthritis And Hydrotherapy

Med — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:48:52 +0000

The number one goal of the practice of hydrotherapy is to get rid of as many toxins out of the body as possible. It is believed that the buildup of toxins is the number one reason that the body has inflammation as well as pain in the joints. Treatments of hydrotherapy have proven effective with patients who suffer from chronic health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Patients of osteoarthritis do well by way of warm and moist hydrotherapy treatments, such as for example the use of moist heat packs as opposed to dry treatments such as for example, by way of electric heating pads. To relieve stiffness in the joints and to get rid of tight pain that is intense and very penetrating, try using a warm compress on the skin for a period of 10 to 20 minutes, approximately every four hours. Other types of hydrotherapy treatments that can prove every bit as beneficial include exercising in a pool that is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or wading or swimming in a pool that is heated to the same temperature. In order to be effective the part of the body that is in pain must be immersed fully in the water.

If you suffer from pain that is very sharp and extremely intense then it is better to make use of cold hydrotherapy treatments. In this case take an ice pack ore a cold, wet compress and wrap it carefully in a plastic bag and then before use place a thin towel over the spot of skin that needs to be treated. It is recommended that the cold hydrotherapy treatment be applied every four hours for a period of 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Be forewarned that it is never recommended that you make use of any type of cold hydrotherapy treatment for any longer than 20 minutes at a time as this can serve to damage the tissue of the skin. If after using cold treatments for one or two days the pain has gotten considerably better or even if it has lessened somewhat, stop the cold treatments and switch to hot compresses.

Colonics are particularly effective when it comes to getting rid of toxins from the colon and help to stimulate the kidneys and other organs of the human body to greater action. Throughout the day drink as much distilled water as possible as this helps to support the body in flushing out toxins. Taking hot and cold showers are a way of stimulating circulation in a general sense and they act as a kind of general tonic for the body. If your time is short then quick cold showers, baths or massages done with cold towels are an excellent way to pump up the circulation in the body.

Something as simple as hot and cold compresses given locally and alternated back and forth are beneficial for circulatory purposes. Cold compresses in particular are effective for relieving pain in a local sense. Hot Epsom salts bath help to draw pain out of the body while local baths and compresses in general do their part in relieving pain and discomfort.

The Holistic Approach To Multiple Sclerosis (part One)

Med — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:12:52 +0000

Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a degenerative and chronic disease that affects the central nervous system. When it comes to this disease there is a “gradual destruction of myelin that occurs in patches throughout the brain or spinal cord (or both) and interferes with the nerve pathways and causes muscular weakness, loss of coordination, speech and visual disturbances.” Multiple sclerosis most commonly afflicts people in their fifties or sixties but has been known to affect younger individuals.

Fort those who suffer from MS it is important to exercise on a regular basis and to choose exercises that help to relax the body and mind, as well as increase balance, energy and flexibility. Two exercise programs that are excellent for patients include yoga and tai chi. Diet plays an integral role when it comes to any disease so for MS sufferers it is important to follow a healthy and well balanced diet all of the time. Having a positive attitude is a method of helping to reduce anxiety and stress related to the disease.

While there is no known cure for MS there are some holistic approaches to reducing the pain and suffering of this disease, which can commonly lead to depression because of its debilitating effects on the nervous system. Massage therapy is a holistic practice that many people with MS choose to engage in on a regular basis because it provides a way for the body to relax and unwind and it is excellent as a stress buster.

Many MS patients find that regular massage treatments help to keep depression at bay. It is important to note however that having massage treatments will in no way slow the progression of the disease. Massage therapy is safe for most MS sufferers except for those who also suffer from “bone-thinning osteoporosis.” This can sometimes result from too many massage treatments for MS patients. In this case then massage could be potentially dangerous so always speak with your physician before you start having massage therapy.

Acupuncture has been used with a certain modicum of success for patients of MS. Acupuncture helps to target the symptoms of the disease such as bladder control issues, muscle spasms and pain. Be aware however that there have been no research studies that prove conclusively that acupuncture is safe for MS sufferers. When it comes to needles and making small puncture marks in the skin there are always risks involved, the greatest of which is the worry that an infection will take place. If you do decide to seek out the services of an acupuncturist find one that is experienced and comes well qualified and make sure that he uses sterile needles otherwise acupuncture is a method by which hepatitis HIV could be transmitted from person to person.

While it is very controversial, some MS sufferers believe that smoking marijuana helps to effectively relieve the spasticity related to the disease as well as other symptoms connected with MS. Research into this is ongoing and most healthcare practitioners will not prescribe marijuana for medicinal purposes at this time. As well doctors do not recommended marijuana to their patients because of its many negative long-term side effects such as the risk of heart attack as well as the loss of memory.

Pain Is A Necessity Of Life (part One)

Med — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:35:52 +0000

Pain is something that everyone experiences, no matter who they are. Since the beginning of time people have looked for ways to minimize pain or get rid of it all together. Pain however is a very clear message that the body sends to the brain to let it know that a problem exists be it a strain, an injury, a trauma, a diseases etc. Although no one likes the existence of pain, without it life would be worse as no one would be aware of the fact that there was a problem in the body whether it be a toothache, a torn ligament, appenditicitis or a pounding headache. Pain in its most basic form is the way that Mother Nature lets us know that there is a problem somewhere in the body.

The problem most people make is that they treat the symptoms of a health problem instead of getting to the root of the problem. People consume tranquilizers, anti-depressants and narcotics all in an effort to rid themselves of pain but what this often does is it makes matters worse as it masks the source of the pain which is particularly detrimental when it comes to serious illness and disease and it sometimes then creates a vicious cycle of chronic pain.

While some forms of pain are beneficial some actually are not. Acute pain can let a person know that there is a major problem in the body while chronic pain is the pain that remains even after the body has healed, whether it be as the result of an injury, a surgical procedure, an ailment etc. Examples of chronic pain include arthritis, migraines and backaches. In the case of chronic pain cure is not the aim but instead pain management becomes the treatment of choice.

Many psychological consequences are the result of a recovery after surgery, an illness, a trauma or an illness. Often requiring more rest than other people and/or going through a period of inactivity can cause a person to become depressed and to loss some of their self-confidence. This often flies in the face of other losses such as endurance, flexibility and physical strength. If whatever you have suffered such as an injury has caused you to have to go without doing activities that you enjoyed for a specified period of time then it is very likely that you have suffered anxiety, frustration and a certain modicum of depression. Many people suffering from chronic pain tend to overdo things and overexert themselves and this can lead to the injury taking longer to heal which in turn brings more pain to the individual.

Acute pain is easier to treat than chronic pain, which explains why most alternative and holistic therapies are aimed at treating chronic pain. On the other hand conventional Western treatments work in a physical manner in that they interfere with the signals that are communicated between the nerves and the brain. in other cases, the physical manifestation takes place by way of the nerves being desensitized. such as when you take a pill to “kill the pain.”

Look To Massage To Help Your Neck And Back Pain

Med — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:56:52 +0000

Plenty of people suffer from neck and back pain and for many it is a problem that becomes chronic due to repetitive actions such as their jobs. Using heavy machinery on a consistent basis or sitting at a desk at typing on a computer are repetitive tasks that can put added stress on neck and back muscles and can leave them knotted, tight and terribly stiff. Due to the fact that the back and neck support the entire body it is important to keep your skeletal system in as topnotch health as you possibly can.

Before you turn to holistic methods for relieving pain it is important to make sure that the source of your neck and back pain has been properly diagnosed. Visit your doctor for an assessment. Your doctor might refer you to a chiropractor and/or a massage therapist. You might want to look at other types of methods of holistic healing to help relieve your symptoms as well.

The most popular kind of massage in the United States is known as Swedish massage. Swedish massage is also called massage therapy and it can be an effective method of getting at pain. At a massage session a qualified massage therapist will apply a special massage oil or lotion onto the skin and will then use his or her hands to make long and smooth strokes across the skin. If you are new to the world of massage it is best to start with a Swedish massage. Swedish massage is for the soft tissues of the body.

Another type of massage that goes even deeper than Swedish massage is also effective at reducing neck and back pain and this is known as deep tissue massage. Deep tissue massage is just that, it reaches deep into the tissues and it is meant for painful and extremely strained and tight muscles that have been that way on a chronic basis. Deep tissue massage is also effective for repetitive strain as well as problems that have developed as a result of bad posture. This form of massage is useful at getting to problems that are connected with connective tissue and the deeper layers of muscles.

Be forewarned that following a deep tissue massage there is often a certain amount of physical discomfort because of the nature of the massage. The pain and soreness should begin to subside within a day or two following the massage and then you will begin to feel much better.

Shiatsu, which is a Japanese type of bodywork, is another option. In this case the therapist applies specific localized pressure with his or her fingers to various spots of the body. The fact that the pressure is of the localized variety means that it is felt deep into the body. Shiatsu is a type of treatment that is always done when a person is fully clothed.

As mentioned previously, combining massage therapy and chiropractic treatments is an excellent way to relieve neck and back pain and another option is to try out yoga. Yoga is a stress buster that is excellent at relieving tension that has built up in muscles and it also works wonders when it comes to improving strength as well as flexibility. Most gyms and recreation centers offer yoga classes so if you are interested search around for a beginner one that can fit into your schedule.

Pain Medications For Arthritis Steroids, Narcotics, Dmards And Biologics

Med — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 08:08:52 +0000

What do steroids, narcotics, DMARDs and biologics all have in common? They are all medications prescribed to those who suffer from the pain of arthritis. All of these medications carry with them benefits and risks that patients and their doctors should discuss before a pain management plan is put into action.

Steroids:

Steroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications whose purpose is to reduce swelling, inflammation and the associated pain. Those who suffer from both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be given steroid injections directly into the painful joint to relieve pain in that joint. There are also steroid pills that can temporarily relieve flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. There are also low-dose pills that can be taken over a longer term to help maintain the occurrence of inflammation and pain. The use of steroids can make a big difference in the quality of life especially for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

The long-term use of steroids can increase the risk for infections; increase blood sugar levels and can also lead to a person’s bones becoming thin. Usually doctors will prescribe the use of steroid pills for short-term use to avoid these side effects. Steroid injections carry a lower risk for side efforts experienced outside of the joint area and can be used for longer time periods.

Narcotics:

Doctors may prescribe prescription narcotic pain relievers such as codeine, fentanyl, morphine or oxycodone for the relief of severe arthritis pain. Narcotics work because they control pain by disabling the nerve cell pain receptors. Narcotics are rarely prescribed for pain relief for arthritis suffers but in cases where the patient is so debilitated by pain that they are unable to move; narcotics may be the answer to get them mobile again. Mobility is very important to the management of pain for arthritis sufferers. The reason narcotics are not used more often is that there are a lot of side effects when using them. Narcotics tend to cloud the thinking processes of people who take them. Constipation is another common side effect to narcotic usage.

DMARDs:

DMARDs (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) are used to prevent the joint damage that inflammation causes in rheumatory patients. One commonly prescribed DMARD is methotrexate. These medications usually can take weeks before they will take noticeable effect on the patient so often times other pain relievers like steroids will be prescribed until the DMARDs take effect.

The use of DMARDs can drastically improve the lifestyle of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Like most medications there is a risk with using DMARDs. The way they work is by suppressing the immune system, so as a result patients on DMARDs are more susceptible to infections while they are on this particular medication therapy. They are also at increased risk for liver issues, low blood count occurrences and a slightly increased risk of certain cancers.

As in any course of medication therapy the patient and doctor must weight the benefits against the risks. If the disease is progressive and creates a current or future risk of disability without the treatment than that is a major consideration. Quality of life is important and the decision to proceed with DMARDs medication therapy must be weighted seriously against other pain management alternatives.

Biologics:

Biologics (Biological Response Modifiers) are a more aggressive medication therapy that is used to slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Biologics are used when DMARDs therapy is no longer helpful.

The biologics that have been approved for arthritis pain relief are: Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, Orencia, Remicade and Rituxan.

These medications are designed to inhibit or to supplement different components of our immune systems. Unlike DMARDs they do not effect the entire immune system, only a part of it.

Biologic medications can only be given by either injection or by intravenous infusion (IV). If given by IV, it can take up to 2 hours to receive the entire dosage.

Studies have only been available for approximately ten years so long-term effects are not known at this time. It is known that biologics can carry a increased risk for certain cancers, can cause diseases that have been in remission to flare-up again like tuberculosis and other chronic diseases. Biologics are discouraged from being prescribed for patients younger than 50.

Getting To Know The Pain Medications For Arthritis Acetaminophen And Nsaids

Med — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:23:52 +0000

What do acetaminophen, and NSAIDs have in common? They are both used in pain management. They are common medications prescribed to those who suffer from arthritis pain. They each have benefits and risks associated with their use. Physicians should advise arthritis patients regarding usage, dosage cautions, side effects and health risks if any, that are associated with using each of these medications. It is also important to understand any drug interactions that may exist with other medications the patient may be currently taking or may take in the future while on medication therapy for arthritis pain.

Here is a basic run-down on each of these medications and the usual reasons why they are prescribed for pain.

Acetaminophen:

Most of us know this medication by the commonly known brand of Tylenol. It is commonly prescribed for the relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain. It is a good choice when the pain you experience is mild in nature and is just as effective as some prescription strength anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Acetaminophen is easy on your stomach and should not irritate or upset your stomach. There are some medications that combine another medication with acetaminophen, so you may find acetaminophen on the label of other medications.

It is important to tell you physician at the time the two of you are discussing pain management; any other medication you are taking that you are purchasing over-the-counter. If any of these medications also include acetaminophen and you are prescribed acetaminophen by your physician he/she will need to take in account how much acetaminophen is contained in your over-the-counter medication when deciding on dosage. The combined acetaminophen dosage otherwise may be too high. Receiving too high of a dosage of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. If a patient consumes alcohol on a regular basis or has already suffered liver damage it is even more important to be careful taking acetaminophen. Your physician should be told of any alcohol or liver history so that the correct course of pain management can be prescribed.

NSAIDs:

NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications that help to relive both joint swellings and stiffness as well as to relieve pain. These are the most commonly prescribed pain relievers for those suffering from arthritis. Familiar names that are NSAIDs are: Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin, and naproxen.
NSAIDs are considered to be reasonably safe by physicians, for their patients to take over a period of months or even years; they can however cause patients who use them to suffer from stomach ulcers and they may be associated with an increased risk for heart attack.

NSAIDs may have an altering effect on aspirin, which is something some patients are perscribed to take for heart health. It is important to tell your physician if you have been prescribed to take aspirin therapy for your heart health so that this information can guide him/her in deciding on the best course for your pain management.

To reduce the risk of heart attack associated with NSAID usage speak with your physician about the possibility of short-term use or of using the lowest dose possible. It may be appropriate to alternate the use of NSAID with other medications for pain.

Glossary Of Holistic Terms (part Four)

Med — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 06:57:52 +0000

Do you know your holistic terms in relation to pain and healing? Are you aware of what therapies could help you? If you are not then you should read on for more information.

Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine believes in the principle that the human body holds within it the ability to heal itself. Practitioners of naturopathic medicine discuss the patient’s health problems with him or her at length and then suggest a variety of therapies that could bring about relief from pain and healing such as dietary supplements, exercise, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, homeopathy, plants with medicinal value as well as treatments that derive from TCM (or traditional Chinese medicine).

Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements are supplements that are taken orally so as to improve the diet of the individual when food is not enough. Dietary supplements include such things as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs and other types of botanicals, as well as enzymes and metabolites. Dietary supplements can be purchased as gel caps, capsules, powders and liquids.

Meditation
Meditation is a method of centering the mind and calming the senses in order to bring about relaxation in the body and calm, peace and serenity in the mind. Meditation is something a person can learn to do himself or herself and it is recommended that it be practiced once or twice a day on a daily basis for an average of 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Meditation has been shown to have positive results when it comes to relieving high levels of stress as well as modifying hormone levels and improving a person’s state of mind as well as their mood. Blood pressure levels can also be reduced when meditation is done and as well as the level of adrenaline, the heart rate and even the temperature of the skin.

Mind-Body Interventions
Mind-body interventions include a number of different holistic techniques that are geared towards encouraging the mind to work its strong healing powers in order to improve the function of the body as well as the symptoms of different infections and diseases. Some examples of these interventions include Alexander technique, aromatherapy, autosuggestion, Bach flower therapy, eutony, Feldenkrais method, hatha yoga, hypnotherapy, metamorphic technique, journaling, meditation, self-hypnosis, support groups, taijiquan, visualization and yoga.

Reiki, Energy Work and Therapeutic Touch
These are all types of energy therapies that look at energy in its variety of states in regards to motion and vibration. It is believed that the body is composed of a number of different energy fields that are interacting and vibrating all of the time and can play an integral role in healing as well as relaxing the mind and body and relieving stress that has built up in the body.

Yoga
Yoga is an East Indian therapy that has found its way into the Western world and is becoming more popular all of the time. There are many different styles as well as schools of yoga. The goal of yoga is to center the body and mind and to balance and calm the mind, body and spirit. Yoga takes into account a number of breathing exercises as well as physical postures and meditation and is effective at calming the central nervous system as well as relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, improving flexibility and concentration. Yoga has been effectively used to improve a person’s sleep as well as digestive processes. Yoga has been used effectively as a complementary form of medicine to improve a variety of health conditions including asthma, cancer, diabetes, and Aids.