Pain is the body’s natural response to injury and other health conditions. Pain generally subsides over time as injuries heal and diseases are treated, but chronic pain is different. It can be excrutiating and debilitating, and it’s persistent. It can last for weeks, months or even years. It’s been estimated that over 100 million Americans are living with lower back pain or some other type of chronic pain!
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Treatments vary from person to person because every situation is unique, but medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care and surgery or any combination thereof are often successful. Experts advise patients to avoid self-medication and to consult a medical professional before making any major diet or lifestyle changes; however, learning about your pain management options online can help.
An informative website cannot completely replace face-to-face appointments with your specialist, but online tips and tricks from doctors, nurses, therapists and even other patients, as well as information from medical organizations, are all handy references that you can access in as little as five minutes.
Pain Management Websites
Are you tired of a pain management program that just isn’t cutting it? Here are a handful of websites and articles you may want to consult the next time you’re online.
- For starters, the National Department of Neurological Disorders and Stroke helps to answer these questions: “What is Chronic Pain?” and “Are there any treatments?”
- If you’re starting to feel like a small fish in a big sea, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. This Pain Management Fact Sheet from the National Institute of Health points out that statistics show that pain affects more Americans than cancer, heart conditions and diabetes combined.
- Web MD’s 11 Tips for Living with Chronic Pain offers advice from others who have been there and done that. Suggestions include simple but effective strategies such as deep breathing, meditation and reducing the negative influences in your life.
- Taking care of a family is tough, but lower back pain can make it even tougher. eHow Mom’s How to Deal with Chronic Pain is an article that recommends relaxing hot baths and exercise (if you’re able to, of course).
- About.com is a good place to find Chronic Pain Peer Advice. You will learn that many people are frustrated when trying to explain their feelings to others, and some are able to find relief when they begin keeping a pain journal.
- Are you the parent of child who is living with chronic pain? This KidsHealth section explains the pain associated with fibromyalgia, but it is a good reference for other types of chronic pain diagnoses and treatments as well.
- Holistic or alternative medicine has been around for centuries and is beginning to grow in popularity in the Western world. Everyday Health shares insights on Pain Management without Drugs.
Life is stressful enough as it is, and adding relentless pain into your daily routine can make things even worse. Know that you are not alone. As you can see, the Internet offers a wealth of information at your fingertips. Visit the pain management websites listed above and speak to your doctor or consult a chiropractor. Don’t let your quality of life suffer due to chronic pain!
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Carrie Thompson works with CoreCare Back Institute in Roanoke and Danville, Virginia, and enjoys an active lifestyle while pursuing health and wellness.