If you suffer from chronic pain, you know how much it can impact your day to day living. Fortunately, treatments for chronic pain have come a long way over the last few years. Determining your best course of action depends on how bad your pain is, what’s causing it, and how long it lasts. Although some pain can’t be cured, there is help. Check out the latest treatment options below.
Radio Frequency Ablation - This treatment targets the nerves that send signals to your brain. During an RFA treatment, your doctor will place a heated needle point close to the nerve and zaps it so it can send the pain signal. RFA helps with arthritis, neuropathy, lower back and hip pain.
Pain Shots - Often doctors use local anesthetics to numb the nerve and steroids to ease inflammation. Nerve root blocks target the nerves along the spine and can help with pain in the arms and legs. Epidural steroid injections are administered in the outer part of your spinal column and can help with disc problems, like herniated discs. Trigger point injections work on tight spots in muscles. Depending on the type of pain, shots can last from four weeks to a year.
Opioids - Some opioids have been around for centuries and some are newer. Common opioids such as Fentynal, Hydrocodone, Methadone, and Oxycodone block or reduce pain signals. They are very effective; however, they can have moderate to severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and addiction.
Other pain medications - Common over the counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can help to relieve mild to moderate pain.
Alternative approaches - Yoga, massage, and acupuncture aren’t new; however, new research indicates how they can help manage pain. These treatments may help ease lower back pain and joint pain for shorter periods of time and provide temporary relief.
As an alternative to, or in addition to, some of the above remedies, Milkweed Balm can help ease chronic pain. Made with wild-sourced milkweed seed oil and other anti-inflammatory ingredients, Milkweed Balm naturally gets to the source of pain. Apply at the site of pain, morning and night, for much-needed relief.