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Important things that you must know about pain management

Important things that you must know about pain management

The techniques of pain management are devised based on the cause of pain. Pain management also depends on the severity and duration of pain. It focuses on the identification of the source of pain and selecting the best course of treatment.

Let us take a closer look at some of the aspects of pain management.

Types of pain

The most common types of pain are:

Neuropathic pain

It’s a type of pain, which impacts the nervous system. In this form of pain, there is damage to the nervous system. A typical example is a diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathic pain can also include fibromyalgia, sympathetically maintained pain and irritable bowel syndrome.

Nociceptive pain

It is a pain that results from a bone that is broken in the body. This pain is determined by the transfer of signals from the peripheral nerves to the brain through the spinal cord.

Somatic pain

This pain is a type that affects the thighs and back of the patient. Every time a patient goes to the doctor with back pain, their doctor checks their medical history and conducts a physical exercise test and imaging test. After an accurate diagnosis, the pain can be adequately treated.

Cancer pain

Cancer or the treatment of cancer can cause this type of pain. There are many treatment alternatives that can help with cancer pain.

Headaches

Headaches are one of the most known sources of pain experienced by many people. It can interfere with the ability to function normally, as this causes an immense amount of stress.

Diagnosis of pain

Successful pain management depends on the diagnosis. The doctor will examine the medical history and do blood tests as a part of their diagnosis. They will also suggest a few diagnostic procedures.

Some of these methods include the following:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

With the help of radio waves and a magnet, the doctor can get clear images of what is happening in the body.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

CT scan helps the doctor view the cross-section of the body to determine the source of pain. It works similar to an X-Ray.

Electromyogram

Electromyogram lets the doctor test the activities of one’s muscles and how they react to electric signals.

Sonography

This test uses sound waves to help the doctor view what is happening inside the body. Sonography is also commonly called an ultrasound.

Bone scanning

Bone scanning is done to test fractures in the bones specifically.

Methods for pain management

Pain management is best left to the medical experts. As in many cases, one will need specific treatment to get better. However, here are some standard techniques of pain management that one can practice on one’s own.

  • Make it a point to do stretches before any strenuous gym workouts.
  • Stay active, especially if one has a job that keeps them chained to their desk.
  • Drink plenty of water and take over-the-counter painkillers for temporary pain relief before speaking to a doctor.
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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Understanding the essentials about menopause

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life. Stages of menopauseMenopause has three different stages, as given below.Perimenopause Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes. MenopauseIf you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage. Postmenopause The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable. However, as the estrogen level in your body decreases, you will be more vulnerable to diseases like osteoporosis, bladder and vaginal changes, and heart disease.DiagnosisIf you reach the right age for menopause and start to experience the symptoms, then it could be a sign that you are already menopausal. Generally, hot flashes and irregular periods are clear signs of it. However, you may contact your doctor for additional confirmation. Your gynecologist will collect your blood sample to check the estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Decreased estrogen and increased FSH levels indicate the stage you are at. The doctor will also test for the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH disorder can lead to similar symptoms as those of menopause, making it is necessary to rule that out. You can also use the home kits for an FSH test. However, they may not always be conclusive. The menstrual cycle can cause a change in FSH levels too. Managing menopause symptomsMenopause is a natural part of life and it cannot be prevented. However, you can manage the symptoms, so you do not have to suffer due to any related complications. The decrease in estrogen levels can result in weight gain, which causes a variety of other health issues. Hence, you must be careful with your diet to keep the weight under control. Eat healthy food, including fresh fruits and vegetables regularly, and make sure to eat when you feel hungry and not when you feel lazy. Also, avoid processed food and foods that are rich in sugar. Being physically active is also important, during this time, to remain healthy. You should exercise regularly, including moderately intense aerobics for at least 150 minutes a week. Maintaining your bone strength is another effective way to stay healthy during menopause. Following a vitamin D and calcium-rich diet can help with the same. Keep in mind that the key to remaining healthy during the years of postmenopause is taking good care of your overall health.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

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What you should know about depression

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