Relieving Chronic Pain Without Surgery
Over 20% of Americans report chronic pain while around 7% further report high impact chronic pain that frequently limits life or work activities over the past 3 months. Acute and chronic pain that frequently limits life or work activities rank among the most common reasons adults seek medical care, often associated with decreased quality of life, opioid dependence, and poor mental health. While surgery typically relieves symptoms, people who want to try alternatives can consider exercise, yoga, and heating and cooling the impacted area.
Get on up
Surgical treatment costs twice as much as non-surgical intervention. Furthermore, data reveals little to no increase in quality of life between the impact of surgery and exercise treatment plans. Physical activity plays a crucial role in interrupting the cycle of pain flare-ups and reduced mobility found in certain chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Doctors suggest regularly practicing gentle aerobic activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling to reduce pain.
Downdog your way to less pain
Certain meditative practices, including tai chi and yoga focus on breath control and mindfulness. Yoga may relieve neck pain intensity, improve pain-related function, increase cervical range of motion, improve quality of life, and boost mood. Taken a step further, patients can use acquired breathing techniques with a biofeedback machine. The device works by transforming data like heart rate and blood pressure into a graph, a blinking light, or animation. Patients can achieve higher control over pain responses by providing the brain with data-driven visual feedback.
Cool as ice
For specific injuries, icing and heating act as key solutions for pain relief. Seeking out a physical therapist for specific temperature treatments, which can penetrate deeper into the muscle and tissue. For both at-home and clinical uses, introduce ice for acute injuries or pain and heat for muscle pain or stiffness. The treatment works by impacting blood flow to a specific part of the body, constricting or increasing blood flow depending on the application and need.
Busting constant pain
For most people, there are solutions for acute and chronic pain. Living in pain on a daily basis can be managed through lifestyle changes or through surgical options. Consulting with a specialty physician is the best option to determine the best solution.
