Understanding pain and learning techniques to help you cope is an important part of managing your arthritis. As there are many types of pain, pain management is a very personal journey and one that does not always follow a set path.
The pain you experience from your arthritis may limit you in some ways, but this does not mean that it has to control your life. In fact, by taking action to reduce pain, you may find that your daily activities and, subsequently, your life become easier.
The feeling of pain results from pain signals sent through a complex system of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Many scientists believe that an effective method of pain control is to block these signals, with one way of doing this through the triggered release of endorphins.
Endorphins, otherwise known as the “happy hormone,” are peptides produced by the brain. When these hormones are released, our perception of pain reduces, and we feel better. There are several ways that this release can be triggered, including gentle exercise, heat/cold treatments, physical therapy, acupuncture, and certain medications. It’s important to note that although these methods may reduce the amount of pain you feel, they will not stop them altogether.
The goal of an arthritis pain treatment plan is to minimize the intensity of pain, reducing it to an endurable level using the methods outlined above. An effective Pain Management Program should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual and the type of arthritis they have. For this reason, it is essential to work alongside your doctor or healthcare provider as you experiment with different techniques and determine the best approach.
The best thing to do is take it one step at a time, and we are here to help you do that. If you are ready to reduce your pain and take back control of your life, call our office today at 727-361-2162 or book an appointment online to learn more about the treatments we offer.
