WHAT A RELIEF !
Advances in Pain Management
Courtesy Baylor Scott & White
Chronic pain sufferers , take heart . Advances in pain management may offer the breakthrough you ’ ve been waiting for .
An estimated 116 million Americans suffer from pain — day in and day out . That ’ s a lot of hurt . Diagnosed as “ chronic pain ,” pain that lasts more than six months not only affects everyday living but also everything from mood to relationships to job performance .
“ Chronic pain can result from a surgery or an injury or present as part of a condition such as arthritis or cancer ,” says S . Justin Badiyan , M . D ., a physician on the medical staff at a Baylor Scott & White Medical Center . “ And sufferers can quickly spiral into depression and inactivity if they don ’ t get help .”
EXPANDED OPTIONS For a long time , the most common treatment approach was drug therapy — namely opioids like morphine , hydrocodone and oxycodone — to relieve pain . “ These drugs can be addictive , dangerous and may ultimately make your pain seem worse ,” Dr . Badiyan says . “ We now know this isn ’ t the best long-term approach for most patients .”
Thankfully , advances in pain management offer chronic pain sufferers more options — and better results — than ever before . “ Pain management has really evolved over the last decade ,” Dr . Badiyan says .
Here are the latest treatment options and how they may be able to spell relief for you .
Newer , non-narcotic drugs . “ Antidepressants , anticonvulsants , antiinflammatories , muscle relaxants and others offer patients relief without the habit-forming properties of opioids ,” Dr . Badiyan says .
Nerve blocks . Injections that use radio-frequency waves , steroids or anesthetics can help block the pain signals sent by irritated nerves .
Spinal-cord stimulation . An implantable device is placed in the spinal canal and transmits electrical impulses to the spinal cord to replace pain signals with a pleasant sensation , Dr . Badiyan says .
Complementary therapies . “ Treating pain with physical therapy , acupuncture , massage , biofeedback ( a device that monitors the body ’ s response to pain so you can try to control it ) or gentle muscle stimulation in combination with other treatments has proven very effective at providing relief ,” Dr . Badiyan says .
If you ’ ve been fighting an uphill battle with chronic pain , talk to a pain management specialist today . “ There are many different treatment options that can help decrease your pain , increase your day-to-day functional ability and improve your overall quality of life ,” Dr . Badiyan says .
Rid your life of pain . For more information , talk to your primary care physician , visit BSWHealth . com / Pain or call 1-800-4BAYLOR for a referral to a pain management specialist near you .
46 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2017