Everyday pain management ideas

Diabetic neuropathy develops over time...and of course, the first thing to be considered when symptoms emerge is a history of diabetes.  Depending on the type of neuropathy involved, the symptoms will vary, as I discussed in the post just prior to this one.  Upon examination, the health care provider will take a look at a number of things including the patient's reflexes, loss of sensation,  and changes in skin coloration. Tests that can help determine the presence of diabetic neuropathy may be ordered at this time. Here again, the type of neuropathy in question dictates the nature of the testing. It is not unreasonable to expect EMG , NCV , Gastric Emptying Studies , or a tilt table study .  Once a diagnosis is established, you may be prescribed medications to manage the symptoms. The drugs commonly used for the pain management aspect of neuropathy are not usually those which cause problems with addiction. Some antidepressant and anticonvulsant medications...

Diabetic neuropathy has various forms...there are four classes, or subtypes. The first subtype is Autonomic neuropathy.  This can affect the heart, blood vessels, GI tract, urinary tract, sex organs, sweat glands, eyes, and lungs. Autonomic neuropathy causes changes in digestion, bowel and bladder function, sexual response, and perspiration. Also affected are the nerves of the heart, and control blood pressure, as well as nerves in the lungs and eyes. Autonomic neuropathy can also trigger  hypoglycemia unawareness, a condition in which people no longer experience the warning symptoms of low blood glucose levels. The second subtype  is known as Focal neuropathy.  Affected body parts include eyes, facial muscles, ears, pelvis/low back, chest, abdomen, thighs, legs and feet. Patients with this subtype experience sudden muscle weakness or pain. Literally any body part can be affected. The third subtype  is known as Proximal neuropathy.  This p...

In recent years, it seems like we are hearing about the risks of obesity in the news, on television, from our healthcare providers. You might think, "I am only a few pounds overweight, so what's the big deal?" or "I only get to live once, and I want to be happy. So, I'm going to eat what I want, when I want."  Okay... I am a child of the 50's.  Back when I was young,  processed foods were not as commonplace as they are now; they were sort of an "emerging market."  My mother cooked mostly from scratch, and I think we were a lot healthier, in at least some respects. Antibiotics and steroids were not  used in cattle or poultry feed; GMO food s were not yet in existence, and the use of preservatives and dyes was nothing like it is at present. Nowadays, people are a lot busier, and the depend on the mass market of processed foods to keep meals on the table. Carbohydrate addiction is a growing problem today. I don't think we are really bet...

Many of the chronic pain conditions people face are chronic because, while they can be treated, there is no cure.  At the time of diagnosis, no one really knows how long they are going to be fighting the battle against the condition at hand. Thinking that you might be in this situation for the long haul changes perspective and approach to finding a solution. Over the years that I have been in pharmacy practice, the treatment approach to many health conditions has shifted dramatically.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a good example.  In the earliest days of professional life, the NSAID drugs were the latest and greatest, and steroids were commonly used. Some people were receiving gold injections at doctor's offices. Nowadays, the standard of treatment is vastly different; many patients benefit from monoclonal antibody therapies via hospital infusion and self care strategies. Where am I going with this?  When you have a chronic pain condition, there is much uncertainty. ...

   A treatment that is already used to treat depression is showing promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Dr. Max Gomez of  CBS New York recently reported on the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS   in some patients--with good results.  A new study in the Journal Neurology finds that magnetic stimulation can actually improve the non-pain symptoms of fibromyalgia, like depression, mood and overall quality of life. Other studies have found that TMS also alleviates the pain symptoms. The difference is where and how the magnetic pulses are used.   Since the brain is an electrical device, the electromagnetic pulses that are pushed into the brain during treatment seem to modulate brain activity.  Treatment of fibromyalgia in this manner is an off-label use at present. Results are preliminary but offers some hope to the 12 million Americans who suffer from this chronic ailment.  Traditional medicine seems to be of little us...

To a large extent, non drug pain management interventions are really about adopting a healthier lifestyle. Some examples- Smoking Cessation Using smoking as a way to cope with chronic pain can actually make the pain worse!  Weight Loss  A healthy body weight reduces stress on the joints and spine. The goal is to achieve a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) . Exercise Exercising within the limits of one's condition promotes weight loss, cardiovascular health, preserves joint function, and raises endorphin levels,promoting an overall sense well being.  It's all good. Alcohol Moderation While alcohol may help a person to forget their troubles for a time, it actually has no analgesic properties.  Chronic use of alcohol can damage the liver, which is can effect the metabolism of medications and body toxins. Practicing Behaviors that Promote a Good Night's Sleep  A good night's sleep go a long way in improving everyone's day to day function.  Sle...

Dr. Paul Christo, leading pain expert from The John Hopkins Hospital and host of the radio show Aches and Gains, appears on The Balancing Act to talk about the epidemic of chronic pain in America, and where pain sufferers can go for relief.