Chronic Pain Relief

Finding chronic pain relief can be a difficult challenge for both the individual who suffers from ongoing physical illness and the physician who treats them. Everyone experiences aches and pains from time to time. Acute illnesses and injuries can present a temporary time of painfulness and suffering. But with conditions that are more chronic in nature, the ongoing pain can be stressful to both the body and the mind. Patients may even find it difficult to keep up with regular daily routines. Entire families can feel the impact of a persistent condition that is both painful and debilitating. Back injuries, arthritis, nerve damage, and other conditions can result in anguish and physical limitations on patients. The psychological toll can be very high as well. Even more difficult to deal with is the painful condition that can't be diagnosed. Dealing with pain that is very real but has no diagnosis can be very frustrating for the anguished patient.



Families, careers, and peace of mind may suffer do to an inability to attain chronic pain relief. Some of the conditions that frequently cause long lasting and persistent suffering might include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, osteoarthritis, lumbar spinal canal stenosis, complex regional pain syndrome, somatoform disorder, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and pigmented villonodular synovitis. Treating a painful illness will obviously involve making a correct diagnosis of the malady that is causing the pain. With many conditions, this can be very difficult. Symptoms can overlap and diseases can imitate each other. Once a correct diagnosis has been made, finding effective ways to treat and alleviate the continuing suffering can also present a significant challenge.



Specialist who deal in managing persistently painful maladies may be of help. Medication may also provide needed chronic pain relief. Often a multi pronged approach is called for. Patients who are willing to work consistently with medical professionals and follow through on instructions, medications, and advice are the most likely to succeed. Emotional and psychological problems such as depression and anger management may be called for if the patient has been suffering for a lengthy period of time. There are a variety of medical appliances that can provide the patient with a continuous supply of medications that offer chronic pain relief. These devices may come in the form of implanted pumps that supply a continuous intravenous feed. In many cases, the patient themselves can have some control over the dosage, pumping more medication in at times when it is needed.



Living with these health issues and finding chronic pain relief may require the development of certain strategies. A patient's family doctor can usually sit down with them and help them to come up with tips and lifestyle changes that could help them deal with painful conditions. These strategies will frequently involve a certain amount of old fashioned trial and error. Such strategies could include medications, therapy, exercises, and any number of other options. Arriving at the best solution that fits the needs of the specific individual can be a challenge, but is well worth the effort involved. Finding a support group can be very beneficial as well. Many maladies will have organized groups that deal specifically with one particular illness. Sharing problems, frustrations, victories, and fears with other who are experiencing similar trials can be very rewarding. Dealing openly with the emotions that may accompany chronic pain rather than stifling them is very important. A patient should also never underestimate the power of humor. The Bible points to God as a source of light and strength. 'The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)



Of course, successfully finding chronic pain relief is not without its risks. Many medical professionals have expressed concern over the issue of drug abuse for patients who are suffering. Dealing with a patient's suffering without creating an addiction situation can be a major challenge. Some diseases will simply need to run their course. Giant cell arteritis, for example, can last from one to two years. Patients can experience extremely painful symptoms and may loose a great deal of mobility as the malady progresses. Without proper treatment, the patient's eyesight can be seriously threatened as well. Treating this disease with steroids can bring needed chronic pain relief. Of course, ingesting steroids over a period of years can create a number of other physical problems. Such is the balancing act that is faced by medical professionals when dealing with illnesses that cause a persistently painful condition for patients.



In addition to the use of various medications, there are a number of other approaches that can be used to provide chronic pain relief. Physical therapy that includes exercises that promote stretching and strengthening can be very helpful. Low impact exercise may be appropriate in some cases. Walking, swimming, or a number of other activities can help injured individuals get back to normal. Of course, every situation will be different, and a patient will need to discuss the appropriate measures with their physician. Occupational rehabilitation can help patients slowly build their health so that they can once again return to normal activities and work day responsibilities. For those who are having a hard time adjusting mentally to the change in life that their condition has caused may benefit from behavioral therapy. With dedication and skilled medical care, individuals can find relief from many long standing and painful conditions.

Chronic Pain Treatment

Chronic pain treatment is dependent upon a diagnosis and current treatment for other health concerns. Initially a physician will evaluate an individual by doing a physical examination and by considering past medical history. There may be a need for diagnostic testing before a diagnosis is complete. Medications are often prescribed for chronic pain relief and in some cases a patient may benefit from other types of therapy. Lifestyle changes should be incorporated into a medical care plan that includes exercise and eating healthy. Other important considerations are getting restorative sleep and eliminating substances that might exacerbate discomfort such as caffeine, cigarettes, and alcohol.



Some of the things that a physician will need to know when trying to diagnose a chronic illness is: medical history, where the pain is located, how often and how long the discomfort lasts, when it started, and what causes it to be worse. Anything that a patient can tell his or her doctor will help in finding a remedy for chronic pain relief. Keeping a daily log for a week before a doctor's appointment is a good idea. There may be certain activities that make the discomfort worse or maybe it gets worse at certain times of the day or at night. Anything a person can think of will be a benefit towards diagnosis and treatment.



Being free from distress is the desire of any person that has suffered with discomfort for extended periods of time. The main goal of chronic pain treatment is to help a person to function optimally as free from discomfort as possible. Learning to live with some discomfort may be necessary especially with conditions that are not curable. Along with a doctor's prescribed plan a patient suffering from daily discomfort may find comfort through prayer and faith in God. Reading God's Word provides hope for healing, "And the people, when they knew it, followed Him: and He received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing." (Luke 9:11)



In the beginning, lifestyle changes will probably need to be implemented as part of a wellness regimen. Eating healthy and exercise will have a positive affect on a person's health no matter what the diagnosis is. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with a daily exercise routine not only help with the physical symptoms but will also help a person deal with discomfort psychologically as well. Chronic pain relief can come through healthy lifestyle changes and learning to deal with stress. Stress affects the chemicals in the body and can cause changes that bring about illness coupled with discomfort. Prolonged stress can cause changes in hormones, cause blood pressure to go up, and have a profound affect on one's immune system.



A physician will often prescribe medications to help with the discomfort and inflammation. Chronic pain treatment may include anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. The medications that are prescribed will greatly depend upon the diagnosis. For example: a patient that receives a diagnosis of fibromyalgia will benefit from anti-depressants, anti-inflammatories, and sleep aids. The symptoms are largely increased by lack of sleep so one of the main objectives with treatment will be to set up a regimen that will lead to restorative sleep. In some cases a physician may order a sleep study to be done to rule out other sleep disorders.



While implementing positive lifestyle changes elimination of certain substances will provide health benefits and chronic pain relief. Some of these are cigarettes, alcohol, sugar, caffeine and some over-the-counter medications. In order to get the full benefit from any wellness plan a patient will need to limit his or her intake of substances that can make the discomfort worse. Cigarettes have many chemicals in them that are toxic to the body and cause blood pressure to go up because they constrict the blood vessels. Alcohol may have a sedative affect but it interrupts the sleep cycle preventing a person from getting restorative sleep. Sugar and caffeine are both stimulants to the body and can disrupt sleep or cause insomnia. Some over-the-counter medications that should be limited include pain meds and decongestants. Too much pain medication can cause stomach and liver problems. Decongestants can increase heart rate and blood pressure and should be avoided completely when high blood pressure is a concern.



Having a pain disorder or some other type of illness that is causing discomfort can often be debilitating and difficult to cope with. Chronic pain treatment can help to make the discomfort more bearable and can help to soothe the helplessness that many patients feel. An individual that has to deal with pain disorders will often feel depressed and anxious. When this happens a licensed mental health counselor or psychiatrist can help an individual cope with feelings of depression and anxiousness by using behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy will teach a patient ways to learn to cope with his or her illness.



Other types of therapy that may be beneficial when suffering with an acute pain disorder include physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapy includes stretching and strengthening exercises along with using hot and cold packs on the affected areas. Low impact exercise can bring chronic pain relief. Occupational therapy teaches a person how to do daily tasks without aggravating his or her condition. Some disorders that cause discomfort get worse when the patient does too much. Even simple housework chores can make discomfort worse if a person doesn't realize his or her limits. Those who suffer with constant discomfort should consider undergoing various types of therapy in order to experience optimal results.

Causes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis are associated with system immune changes and often lead to very painful symptoms. A healthy immune system will protect the body from viruses. For someone who is experiencing rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the body's own tissues. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are morning stiffness, pain, redness, and swelling in the joints, fatigue, fever, and widespread aching. Diagnosis may be difficult. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered a chronic disease, the causes of which are unknown. Additional research has shown that rheumatoid arthritic onset may be triggered by an infection in the body.



Someone experiencing common symptoms of this particular arthritic condition may have difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. They may also experience pain with prolonged sitting. Muscle pain, weakness, lumps of tissue under the skin, and severe fatigue may also be prevalent in someone experiencing the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Doctor's may ask a series of questions when diagnosing the disease. The questions will probably be around the pain felt in the body including when and where. A physical exam may include joint swelling, loss of motion, and signs of the disease in other organs.



There are alternative therapies available for rheumatoid arthritic treatment. Some people seek out care through acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutrition, and taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Experiencing pain can bring about depression and stress related illnesses when suffering from the disease. Since the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown and the pain is so debilitating, many times the patient will experience depression. Depression and anxiety are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and should be treated along with the pain. Often, stress from pain related sickness leaves one with a hopeless feeling. The discomfort associated with the condition often leads to sleepless nights which further contributes to hopeless thoughts and feelings. Jesus cares about everything in the lives of His children. Those suffering should take their troubles to Him and ask for comfort and help. God does not wish for anyone to suffer; however, no ones life will be without it. When troubles hit, it is particularly necessary to take ones troubles to Him and ask for direction. Specifically, individuals can ask God to send the right people and doctors into their life to bring healing.



The symptoms of rheumatoid diseases can seem unbearable. The aches may seem worse with weather changes. Cold weather often makes common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis seem worse. Cold hands and feet are a problem that is magnified in the wintertime. Taking a hot relaxing bath may relieve some pain. Increasing exercise by taking a short walk can also be beneficial. Those suffering from debilitating pain should develop a regular exercise plan to maximize effectiveness and should avoid sitting for long periods at a time without getting up periodically and moving around. This will minimize pain and stiffness caused by prolong sitting.



Causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unknown but dealing with and understanding the pain of the disease is the hardest part. In order to be treated, sufferers must first be diagnosed. The body has a built in alarm system that something is wrong when injury occurs. Long lasting pain is an indication something is wrong but when there is no relief it is vital to have a plan to try to manage it. Pain is primarily emerging from inflammation, damage to joint tissue, fatigue, and depression or stress. Everyone's pain is different simply because each person has physical factors that are unique to them alone. The sensitivity of the nervous system and the severity of the disease play a major part in managing the pain. Even ones attitude about the disease can affect the way a person reacts to the pain.



Factors that aggravate pain related to rheumatoid arthritis include overexertion through physical activity, fatigue, stress and anxiety, increase of disease activity, and focusing on the pain. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis may be a mystery but having a good outlook goes a long way. A positive attitude, exercise, relaxation, medications, massage, and other treatments help to deal with the pain associated with the disease. Studies have shown that engaging in prayer and worship can have a positive effect on pain. Study God's word and find out what he says about healing. His word tells us that he won't put on us more than we can bear. "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." (Matthew 4:23)

Arthritis Diets

Arthritis diets are a very affective method for seeking treatment for various forms of arthritis and can be supplemental to medications and exercise programs. Using healthy nutrition is a way to relieve inflammation that can be caused by many different types of foods. Different forms of acid are often seen as a cause or factor in flare ups of arthritis, making it necessary for a suffering patient to monitor the food they eat, especially these foods high in acids and other toxins. Exercise for arthritis is another way that treatment can be found. Seeking an exercise regimen can assist the individual in gaining strength and a higher level of comfort in the joints that are affected by this disease. Seeking help from a physician or organization is a great way to find information and tips on diets and exercises that can improve the health and lifestyle of an individual suffering from this and many other medical conditions or diseases.



It is very important to seek nutritious foods that will lower the risks for flare ups of pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. The various forms of this disease can be caused by many different foods, depending on the individual and the form that is afflicting them. For rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, many individuals may choose an alkaline diet. This is basically one of the arthritis diets that help the individual stay away from foods that are high in acids. These toxic acids are difficult for the body to break down and often end up in the joints where the disease most often occurs. While this diet may not be approved by most health care professionals and nutritionists, many of the foods that are on the list to avoid are the similar foods that doctors will recommend to avoid. Some of these foods for avoidance include red meats, most types of starch, citrus fruit, sugar, and chocolate. The main items contained in all of these products are proteins, starches, and sugars. Foods that are healthy and should be consumed on a regular basis include vegetables, goats milk, and most nuts. The basic structure usually includes the individual avoiding most of the avoidance foods completely for at least a month. After that month, the foods can be taken in on an occasional basis. The most important part of the arthritis diets that are similar to this diet is the complete and total avoidance of junk food.



Programs of exercise are often suggested by doctors and other medical personnel for help in the treatment of various forms of this disease. Joint pain and suffering can be released through exercise for arthritis, focusing on strengthening those joints. When performing exercises that specifically work the joints, it is very important not to push too hard, especially if the joints begin to ache more than usual. These strengthening exercises also help build the muscles that surround the joints for additional protection and strength. It is very important to perform routines that will work with the individuals range of motion. Flexibility is a very important part of any exercise for arthritis. By performing basic moves that work the range of motion, the patient may have reduced stiffness and an increase in average movement abilities. Aerobic exercise is a very important treatment for arthritis. Performing aerobic workouts most importantly will help maintain or reduce weight at a healthy level. Being overweight may be difficult for an individual with this type of disease because of the strain and pressure that the joints may be forced to deal with. It is especially important to maintain a healthy weight if pain is affecting the hips, knees, and feet. A good and steady workout should be sought when an individual is suffering from pain and inflammation associated with this painful disease.



Seeking information on nutrition and workouts can be very important for any patient suffering from one of the many forms of arthritis. Many foods have been linked to pain and inflammation that can occur, especially in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. One of the most commonly used arthritis diets is the alkaline diet that focuses on reducing the intake of toxins and acids that the body can not break down easily. Junk food is a major concern and should be avoided at all costs. Beyond diets and nutrition, exercise for arthritis can be a great way to seek relief from the pain and discomfort that is a common symptom of the disease. Strengthening joints and muscles can help alleviate both pain and inflammation of the joints. Exercise is also important to maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can cause additional strain on joints that are already affected by pain and inflammation. If medications or other forms of treatment are not desired or do not work, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen may be beneficial. "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). When all else fails, a strong and faithful person can pray to God for healing.

Cure For Rheumatism

Many people who are seeking for a cure for rheumatism do not realize that this word does not refer to a specific disease. Instead, it is a non-specific term that refers to several areas of the body, including the lungs, heart, bones, skin, kidneys, or joints. The term is no longer used in medical language, but is understood in a colloquial way to refer to a range or problems, most commonly referring to arthritis. Therefore, rheumatism treatment can only be diagnosed when the patient has determined the specific places where the pain or tenderness is located, and then diagnostic tests can be ordered that narrow down the symptoms to a certain area of the body and a certain disease. Rheumatistic ailments are often also called regional pain syndrome or soft-tissue rheumatism. Historically, the condition has been linked to the weather, with those who sufferer from the illness claiming that the increase and decrease of pain can predict changes in weather. Studies have shown that this many times is true. When the barometric pressure rises, leading to clear skies, discomfort lessens; when the barometric pressure decreases, giving rise to cold, wet weather, discomfort increases. This means that when the barometric pressure begins to change, even before the weather turns cold and wet, the arthritis suffer can sense that change.



When searching for a cure for rheumatism, the first step is to determine the type of arthritis. These are some of the common types of arthritis: rheumatoid , osteoarthritis, juvenile, psoriatic, reactive, and infectious arthritis, along with gout and pseudogout. Each of these diseases affects different parts of the body and requires different types of treatment. But rheumatic disease can be a term that applies to any of them. Rheumatic disease can also be associated with rheumatic fever, strep throat and other conditions that cause pain and weakness. Other rheumatic diseases include lupus, fibromyalgia, and tendonitis. Along with rheumatoid arthritis, these conditions are autoimmune disorders, where the immune system attacks other parts of the body, causing damage to joints, muscles, and body organs. Because these conditions also involved pain and weakness, many people associated them with rheumatic illnesses. But each of these syndromes have different causes and therefore separate treatments. Bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome have also been lumped into the same category because of the pain suffered in soft tissues. Bursitis is an inflammation of sacs that protect joint and muscles; whereas carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive motion, often in joints like the wrist. Another condition which has been linked to the many rheumatic type of diseases is temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). This is pain in the jaws, sometimes accompanied by popping and clicking when moving the jaws.



The most common reference to this disease is to rheumatoid arthritic, which is a chronic disease in which the lining of the joints becomes inflamed, and may lead to long-term damage to the joint and disfigurement without rheumatism treatment. There is no cure for this ailment. And those who suffer from this problem may find that the disease sometimes progresses quickly, but then other times, may also seem like it is arrested. Millions of people suffer from this disease, which has no known cure. However, the invention of new types of drugs has helped people to slow down the progress of the damage to joints, and to alleviate the pain associated with the damage to the body. Yet flare-ups can occur at any time leading to loss of movement. Many patients also endure high medical costs, a decreasing ability to work, and perhaps even surgery to repair the damage. Osteoarthritis in another condition for which people commonly search for a cure for rheumatism. This is essentially a condition of wear and tear on the joints, causing inflammation and damage when the body's cartilage breaks down. This condition has been recorded as long as historical records have been kept. Archaeologists have found evident or osteoarthritis in skeletons as old as the ice age. The Bible tells us in its first book, Genesis, that two of the patriarchs of the Christian and Jewish faith, suffered from aging. "Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age." Likely, they had some form of osteoarthritis. So this is one of the oldest illnesses known to mankind. Obviously, age plays as big part in the progress of this condition. Other causes for the condition are obesity, injury, and the family genetics. Many professional athletes find themselves battling osteoarthritis at an early age because of the overuse they had made of their bodies.



One common rheumatism treatment involves over-the-counter medications, such as NSAIDs. (This term denotes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.) Some of these are aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines do have side effects, such as stomach upset and bleeding of the stomach. But these drugs are effective in alleviating the inflammation, fever, and the pain of these diseases by blocking hormone-like substances. Cox-2 inhibitors are another type of medication that can be used as a cure for rheumatism. These are prescription medications, and they are less likely to injure the stomach than the over-the-counter medicines. However, some of these medications were recently removed from the market when they were found to have side effects that damaged the heart and serious skin reactions. Salicylates, which also include aspirin, are another class of medicine for rheumatism treatment. The types of salicylates that do not involve aspirin do not have the benefits to the heart that low doses of aspirin do. Caution is advised for people who are taking these treatments on a regular basis.