There is often a lot of talk about chronic pain and how it can impact the lives of those affected. But what about acute pain?
Acute pain is different from chronic pain in that it is usually short-lived. But that does not mean that it is any less problematic for those experiencing it. And even if it does not continue for weeks or months, it can have a negative impact on the ability to perform daily tasks. So, how can you manage acute pain in a healthy manner?
What Causes Acute Pain?
Acute pain has many different causes. It can be a direct result of an illness or an injury such as a broken arm or appendicitis, but it can also be associated with a surgical procedure, a brief medical condition such as an exposed nerve in a tooth cavity, or childbirth.
It usually comes on suddenly and sometimes the cause is obvious. However, there may be times when the patient does not know what is causing the pain and wo will need to visit a doctor for an examination.
Dealing with Acute Pain
The specialists at pain clinics such as KindlyMD in Utah say that acute pain can be dealt with in a safe and healthy manner, rather than resorting to strong painkillers such as opioids. Even when the pain is severe, there may be other ways to relieve it rather than using medication as the first port of call.
The type of pain will determine the treatment used. For example, if you have an injury such as a sprain or pulled muscle, the pain may be relieved with the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method. Alternatively, you can rotate heat and ice on an injury to help reduce swelling and relive pain.
Exercise is often recommended for those with pain. For example, the pain associated with menstrual cramps can often be eased with gentle aerobic exercises such as cycling, walking, or swimming. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi are also good for pain relief because they incorporate breathwork that can help to reduce stress and relieve tension from muscles.
Some people also find that learning how to perfect various mind-body techniques, such as meditation or mindfulness, can really help when it comes to dealing with acute pain. Again, they work by reducing stress and relieving tension, which can then ease pain.
When to Call a Doctor
It is important to remember that acute pain can be a sign that something is amiss. While pain is common during and after childbirth or when the body has suffered an injury, it can also be a signal to tell us that something is wrong. For example, if you experience sudden and severe pain in the abdomen, it could be appendicitis, which requires immediate medical attention. The same is true for severe chest pain.
If you are worried about acute pain and it is not getting any better with any of the above treatments or with over the counter medications, you should see a doctor. Pain that does not respond to treatment or that is getting worse even with treatment requires medical attention.
Conclusion
If you have pain and you would prefer to deal with it without medication, there are a number of different things you can try such as exercise, meditation, breathwork, or RICE therapy. However, sometimes medication is required, and there may also be times when pain is severe or is not going away with at-home treatment. In these instances, it is best to see a doctor for medical advice as the pain could be an indication that something is not right.