5 Effective Non-pharmacological Pain Management Treatments
Pain is an uncomfortable and distressing feeling that affects your psychological and physiological well-being. It signifies that something could be wrong with an area of your body, such as your pelvis, back, chest or abdomen. Pain can cause prickling, burning, tingling or achy, sharp, and dull feelings. You may also experience pain that is constant or intermittent. Fortunately, with pain reliever medications, you can effectively manage or reduce your symptoms. However, various non-pharmacological methods can also help you relieve pain. Consult a New City pain management specialist to learn more about these non-pharmacological treatment methods and how they can help you enjoy a pain-free life.
What Are Non-pharmacological Pain Treatments?
Non-pharmacological pain therapies are non-medicine treatments that can help you manage or reduce pain through physical and psychological interventions. This method alters your thoughts and helps you concentrate on better ways to manage your pain. Some common non-pharmacological methods include:
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is considered the oldest and most effective method of treating or relieving pain. It involves using thin needles to pierce into specific areas of the skin, which might cause a tingling, warm or heavy feeling. It is a safe procedure that generates a relaxed or refreshed feeling and reduces the severity of your pain while maintaining your bodily functions. After the procedure, you might feel energized or sleepy, but your symptoms improve with time.
2. Bioelectric Therapy
Bioelectric therapy is a pain-relieving treatment option that interrupts pain receptors from sending signals to your brain through bioelectric currents. As a result, your body produces endorphins for relieving chronic or acute pain. Depending on the severity of your pain and your response to treatment, you might need more or less bioelectric therapy sessions.
3. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy
You can overcome pain through a TENS procedure which involves directing mild electrical pulses to the painful area. These electrical pulses reach your nerve endings and block the pain messages from the brain. As a result, your body develops a pain-relieving response that helps treat severe chronic pain symptoms. This procedure is usually more effective if you have been unresponsive to other pain treatment methods.
4. Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a psychological technique that alters your state of consciousness by shifting your attention from the pain you might be experiencing. Your doctor might use various hypnosis methods, including imagery, distraction and guided imagery.
Imagery hypnosis involves concentrating on imagery sounds, tastes, feelings, and smells to shift away your attention to pain. Guided imagery, also known as relaxation techniques, involves meditating, breathing and stretching, often reducing pain.
5. Massage
Body massages have myriad benefits for people struggling with pain or discomfort. They help reduce muscle tension, anxiety, stress and muscle soreness or pain. A massage is a form of manual therapy that involves applying pressure, moving and holding your body’s tensed muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Various types of massage can help you reduce pain, including myotherapy, baby massage, remedial, therapeutic and sports massage. You might need a massage if you are experiencing body discomfort or muscle tension. Talk to your doctor today to determine the best treatment option for your pain.
Pain can affect your quality of life and ability to complete simple tasks. Fortunately, you can get back to your everyday pain-free life through pain reliever medications and techniques. If you prefer non-medicine treatments, you can fulfill your desires at Integrative Health of Rockland, where you will meet certified and experienced pain specialists. Call their offices to schedule an appointment through the online portal.
