Pain is a neurological response that can be triggered by tissue damage or other stimuli (such as intense heat) that can cause injury. Pain can be triggered by inflammation, trauma or damage to the nerves themselves. Chronic pain can be caused by medical conditions such as arthritis or cancer, but in some cases the cause of the pain is unknown. Different kinds of pain respond differently to different treatments, and sometimes multiple approaches need to be tried to relieve pain.
Step 1
Take non-prescription pain relievers. The American Society of Anesthesiologists notes that there are a variety of medications that can be purchased over the counter to relieve chronic pain. Acetaminophen can be used to relieve minor pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen) can also be used to relieve pain, especially that caused by inflammation. These drugs can sometimes be combined with other treatments for maximal pain relief.
Step 2
Take prescription medications. Opioid medications are prescription drugs that can be used to treat acute as well as some kinds of chronic pain. Anti-convulsants are another class of pain reliever that can be used to treat neuropathic pain (pain resulting from nerve damage or disorders). The Mayo Clinic notes that some antidepressants (called tricyclics) are also effective at relieving chronic pain.
Step 3
Undergo physical therapy. Physical therapy, which can include stretching exercises, ultrasound and massage therapy, can help reduce pain and increase your ability to carry out daily activities.
Step 4
Receive a nerve block. Nerve blockade involves the injection of an anesthetic drug into the nerves that service the part of the body that is causing pain. This mode of treatment can be especially effective for pain arising from nerve damage.
Step 5
Try alternative treatments. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that electrical stimulation, acupuncture, brain stimulation and biofeedback are all treatments that can be used for the treatment of chronic pain. Although the mechanism by which these treatments relieve chronic pain is not completely understood, many patients find that their pain can be alleviated using these techniques.
