It’s no secret that pain can affect your quality of life. For some, it’s mild and bothersome. For others, it can be chronic and debilitating. No matter what level of pain you have, everyone deserves to be pain-free.
That’s why here at University Pain Medicine Center, we’re board-certified experts in pain management, offering many treatments. We also provide tips on how you can take a proactive role in managing your pain.
Medical intervention for pain
When it comes to managing pain, one treatment doesn’t fit all. Pain management is individualized and customized depending on your condition, pain level, and more.
For example, we offer treatments at our practice, such as:
- Cold laser therapy
- Radial nerve blocks
- Epidural corticosteroid injections
- Peripheral nerve blocks
Many factors play a role in helping us develop the right pain management plan for you. Our treatment methods aren’t limited to the list above. We first perform a comprehensive health evaluation. We then take steps to diagnose your condition and identify the root cause of your pain. We also learn about the severity level of your pain.
How your mental health plays a role in pain management
Chronic pain affects about 3 out of 10 Americans. To be classified as someone with chronic pain, you have pain that lasts more than three months, bothers you regularly, and affects your daily productivity.
Did you know that your mental health affects your pain management? When combatting pain, you want to avoid the following:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Anger
- Fear
- Bad thoughts
- Isolation
All these can add to the pain signals in your body. But we have the expertise to create a plan that works with your lifestyle and goals. We can give guidance that improves your function and helps you live your best life.
Ways to manage your chronic pain
As our team works closely with you, we learn about what your days look like, how you function, what you like to do and not do, how you eat, and more. Based on your answers, we create a personalized plan that can help manage your chronic pain, which might include the following:
Stretching
Adding 10-15 minutes of stretching and activity to your daily routine can improve your posture and relieve your body of tension, which can help with the pain.
Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxed breathing and mindful relaxation techniques can help your body become calm and help your pain subside.
Schedule enjoyable activities
Staying involved in the things you love to do can keep you in a positive mindset, which can decrease the pain signals in your body.
Keep people in your life
Isolation can cause you to stay focused on your pain. Connecting to others can shift your focus off of your pain and help you be invested in people you care about, which is a healthy distraction.
Sleep
Good sleep can do wonders for your body. When you don’t sleep well, your pain can get worse. Get in the habit of good hygiene at bedtime and a calming routine that helps you fall asleep quickly and sleep well.
Take your time
The last thing you need to feel is overwhelmed. Our plan can help you take steps in increments that work with your lifestyle. We can monitor your routine and make sure you’re taking appropriate breaks as needed.
If your pain continues after making certain changes, we have several medical interventions we can offer to give you the relief you need. In some cases, surgery might be your best option. However, managing your pain begins with a consultation and then a thorough exam. The bottom line is that we can help you feel better.
To learn more about managing your chronic pain, reach out to our team today at one of our six locations in New Jersey. Call our friendly office staff or book an appointment online. We’re here for you!