How do pain management clinics work?

What is pain management?

Pain management as prescribed by a doctor is often the combination of multiple medicines and therapies. Whilst many may think strong ‘pain killers’ are the mainstay of pain management, good control and relief from symptoms can be achieved only by a holistic approach to pain.

If you need relief from chronic pain, our excellent consultant-led specialist clinic is advised rather than reliance on home remedies.

Acute Vs Chronic Pain Management

Acute pain, such as from a newly broken bone calls for immediate intervention such as surgery, and strong painkillers such as codeine or morphine.

Once the injury has been repaired pain may continue to persist. This is what we call chronic pain.

Unfortunately, chronic pain cannot be treated in the same way as acute pain. Strong painkillers have a wide variety of side effects over time including addiction, fatigue and even changes to your cognition and digestion.

Whilst they may be appropriate for short term use, using strong painkillers for chronic pain management is likely to cause its own share of problems for the patient.

What are pain management clinics?

Whilst we all experience physical pain at different times throughout our lives, the origins and nature of the pain can make it difficult for one person to manage alone.

Pain management clinics bring together various consultant specialists who are able to apply their years of experience in creating a pain management program that is uniquely crafted for each patient.

This method gives both faster and longer lasting results than a basic on-size-fits-all approach.

Pain management clinics are the best option for lessening dependence on strong painkillers like opioids and moving towards a more sustainable holistic approach.

What can pain management be useful for?

There are many differing types of pain and each person can experience them differently. Pain management is most useful when it not only gives you relief from your pain but also restores function, allowing you to carry out normal day to day tasks, either at work or at home.

Below are some brief examples of the cases we see and treat:

Knee pain management

The knee is a complex joint through which half of your body weight rests. Typical management includes elevating the leg, reducing the amount of weight through the joint by sitting or using crutches, alongside using a cold pack to reduce any swelling if present.

Sciatica pain management

Sciatica tends to self-resolve in just over a month or so. You can support this process by carrying out any exercises provided by your GP or physiotherapist, keeping the joint mobile and using heat packs to soothe the most painful areas.

Remember when you go to sleep to place a support such as an extra pillow between your knees to take pressure off your lower back.

Shingles pain management

Whilst shingles outbreaks are sometimes treated with antivirals, but these are only effective within the first 3 days of symptoms. Try to keep the affected area clean, avoid tight clothing and use a cold compress to ease the irritation

Pain Management for You

There are almost as many types of pain and pain management as there are medical conditions.

The simple steps above should give you some initial ideas on what to try at home. Remember however that seeking advice from an expert, such as one of our speciality pain consultants remains the best way to ensure you have the most effective and long term pain management plan.

To book an appointment with a specialist please call us on 01245 801234 or email bookings@phoenixhospitalchelmsford.com.