1. Drugs Are Usually the First Step
Anyone who has chronic pain will almost always be prescribed some kind of pain-relieving drug as a first line of defense. In some cases, your doctor may advise you to try an over-the-counter drug first. If that doesn't work, a prescription for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is usually the next step. If that still doesn't do the trick, then your doctor may start you out on a narcotic. Narcotics are usually a last resort, though, due to their addictive nature. You'll probably get a low dose at first, just to see how it works for you.
2. Go to Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can involve a lot of different things. You may get ice or warm packs to treat localized pain and swelling. Your physical therapist may stretch your limbs for you, a technique called passive stretching. You'll probably eventually learn exercises that will condition and strengthen your muscles. When your muscles are strong, you're not as likely to injure yourself and the stronger muscles can provide pain-relieving support to a tender area.
3.
Nerve blocks might be used in some patients. It's common to use nerve blocks after surgery, but they are sometimes used on people with chronic pain as well. With a nerve block, your doctor injects pain-relieving medication right at the site of the pain. The medication blocks the nerve signals that transmit pain, and this block can last for several hours to several days.
4. Surgery May Be an Option
Surgery may be considered for some types of chronic pain, such as pain from herniated discs or damaged joints. It's usually a last resort, since surgery comes with some inherent risks. If other methods of pain control fail you, however, surgery may be a good option. Most people who undergo back surgery or who have joint replacements report a significant reduction in pain, and many find that it disappears altogether.
