$Unique_ID{BRK00943}
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$Title{What Are the Hopes for a Person With Chronic Pain?}
$Subject{pain chronic treatment treatments medication medications Nervous
system transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS trigger point
injections acupuncture nerve trigger points lidocaine endorphins physical
therapy relaxation training biofeedback counseling special procedure
procedures nerves}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Are the Hopes for a Person With Chronic Pain?


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QUESTION:  What are the hopes for a person who has suffered with chronic pain
for so many years now that just looking at another pill is more than I can
bear?  Even my precious physician is running out of combinations of
medications to take and is willing to listen to any suggestions.  In fact he
suggested that I write to you.  Will you please help?

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ANSWER:  Although each person handles pain in a different manner, it is clear
from your letter that you and your physician have fought the good fight and it
is now time to consider possibilities other than just medications.  And there
is an impressive array of techniques for you to consider, all with records of
some success in some people.  Depending upon the nature and cause of your
pains, you might consider transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),
trigger point injections, acupuncture and nerve blocks to mention but a few.
TENS is known to be quite useful for short term relief of acute pain, but can
be helpful in cases of tension neuralgia and people with multiple peripheral
nerve injuries.  It is an electrical stimulation that diminishes pain signals
and requires an experienced technician to help you, for there is a bit of
trial and error in determining frequency of the current and placement of
electrodes for best results.  When there are well localized points of pain or
"trigger points", destroying the spot of degenerated muscle tissue that is
causing the pain with a hypodermic needle can bring relief.  Several
insertions of the needle may be necessary, and the use of lidocaine may reduce
the pain caused by the procedure.  Acupuncture may offer temporary relief,
possibly by increasing the level of endorphins (naturally occurring pain
killing chemicals) in the blood.  In addition, behavior modification
techniques, physical therapy, relaxation training, biofeedback and family and
vocational counseling all provide other avenues of therapy to deal with the
trials of chronic pain.  There are now more than 450 chronic pain treatment
clinics in this country, many of which use a multidisciplinary approach which
provides trained individuals in the areas mentioned above.  It may be time now
for you and your physician to search out one of the specialized care centers
in your area, to obtain a new approach for your pain problem.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.