Everyday pain management ideas

What are endorphins? (reprinted from eHow.com) by Tom Scheve Browse the article What are endorphins? The body's own opiate can give you a feeling of euphoria. ©i Stockphoto.com /kevinruss What are endorphins? It's not uncommon to hear someone talk about getting an "endorphin rush." Sex, exercise, even hot peppers -- all sorts of things are credited for these euphoric highs. So what are endorphins, and are they really responsible for our feelings of excitement or satisfaction? In the early 1970s, researchers were studying how the brain is affected by opiates, such as heroin or morphine. They found that opiates interact with specialized receptors in cells that are primarily massed in the brain and spinal cord. When opiates enter these receptors, they hinder or block the cell's transmission of pain signals. But why, wondered the scientists studying this phenomenon, would these specialized receptors exist in the first pla...

Sciatica pain results from pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve.  This nerve originates in the spine and runs down through the buttocks and the back of the leg...so if you've ever literally had a pain in the butt, it is possible that sciatica is the problem.  The cause of the pressure can be from a number of sources...for instance,  compression in the spinal cord due to disc injury or a tumor. The sciatica pain sensation can vary widely..it can present as a numbness or tingling, dull ache, burning, and in severe cases the pain can make movement quite difficult. Over time, it is possible for sciatica to resolve on its own.  If it does not, it is important to seek medical help to determine the root cause of the pain. The usual first course of remedies for sciatica include ice application to the affected area for the first 48-72 hours, followed by heat.  Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are also appropriate.  ...

Pain 'Signature' Spotted on Brain MRIs Scientists could distinguish physical from emotional pain, discomfort in study WebMD News from HealthDay By Amy Norton HealthDay Reporter WEDNESDAY, April 10 (HealthDay News) -- For the first time, scientists say they've found evidence that physical pain may leave a distinct "signature" in the brain that can be picked up with specialized MRI scans. The study looked only at short-term pain in healthy people, but researchers hope the findings will lead to better understanding of complex conditions such as chronic severe headaches or fibromyalgia . When researchers exposed healthy volunteers to a painful dose of heat, it left a reliable pattern of brain activity that could be viewed on functional MRI (fMRI) -- a type of imaging that charts changes in blood flow through the brain. That so-called "neurologic signature" was able to predict people's subjective pain ratings wit...

DISCOVERY CHANNEL DOCUMENTARY “PAIN MATTERS” CHRONICLES THE BURDENS OF LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN Loved Ones Provide Significant Support, But Many Still Struggle with Pain’s Invisibility, New Survey Finds North Wales, Pa., November 4, 2013 – There are 100 million American adults who live with chronic pain – more than cancer, diabetes and heart disease combined. A new documentary titled “Pain Matters,” airing Nov. 16 on the Discovery Channel, explores the realities of chronic pain through the eyes of individuals who live with it, as well as the perspective from leading national experts in pain management. The film features a range of stories of people living with chronic pain including a U.S. Navy veteran and a two-time Stanley Cup-winning hockey player. “Pain Matters” chronicles their individual challenges in managing their condition, including validation of their pain due to the difficulty in objectively measuring it and working with healthcare professional...

OK..so if you've been following this blog you will notice that there are a good number of ideas to help manage chronic pain.  You might ask yourself, "Which one of these ideas is best for me ?" I would suggest that you might try any number of these things, depending on your level of ability/disability, health care team recommendations, and your personal interests.  There are a number of reasons for doing this: 1) The patient is in control..with few exceptions, it is your decision what to try/not try and how many different things you want to experiment with at any time. 2) Non drug pain management ideas do not have any of the drug interactions or side effects that medications have.  You may have to set limits or modify activity according to personal circumstances, but usually it does not hurt to try any of them. 3)You usually do not need a prescription for most of the ideas I have described.  There are a few exceptions, such as physical therapy.  There ...

Have you been following this blog since inception? If so, you know that there are a good number ( 30...yes, 30! ) nondrug interventions that can be employed to enhance management of chronic pain.  Here is a quick recap.  You can click the links to re-read the posts if you like. Orthopedic pillows Meditation Music Therapy Tai Chi A Child's Perspective-The Pain Game Hypnosis Support Groups Physical Therapy Pace Yourself Living Within Your Limitations Yoga Magnetic Therapy Attitude is Everything! Identify Your Triggers Hold the Morphine! Chiropractic Medicine Reiki Nutrition Good Sleep Habits TENS Units Accupressure and Accupuncture Self Massage Heat Therapy Cold Applications  Purposeful Activity  Exercise Distraction Techniques Guided Imagery Humor Painting Pain as a Therapeutic Outlet

  Is there an orthopedic pillow out there for you? Another possibility that one can incorporate into a pain management regimen is an orthopedic pillow.  There are many kinds of therapeutic pillows available,having different fillings and different intent of use.  Some pillows are better for lumbar support, for example, while others may help someone with cervical spine issues.  Doing a little internet research may help you to see if there is one out there for you. It would also be good to check with your health care team to confirm whether or not this is in your best interests. By improving your posture as you sleep, you improve the quality of sleep during the night and will be able to function better throughout your waking hours. And that can make a world of difference!