For some types of pain, such as mild headaches, it’s easy to drink some water or take a painkiller and carry on. However, there are some types of pain that can’t be ignored or easily treated. Chronic pain for persistent health conditions or old injuries often requires a more deliberate approach.
Identifying the Types of Pain
Pain is a term used to describe any type of discomfort or unpleasant feelings in the body. The various types of pain are divided into more specific categories:
- Acute pain starts suddenly and is usually sharp. This pain may go away quickly, but it may come and go.
- Chronic pain lasts for a long time and disrupts daily life. It may also be accompanied by depression and anxiety.
- Breakthrough pain comes on suddenly and is often associated with flare-ups but may not have any obvious trigger.
- Bone pain tends to be felt deep within the body and often presents itself at night.
- Nerve pain is usually a symptom of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. The severity of nerve pain ranges from annoying to debilitating.
- Phantom pains occur in body parts that aren’t there. The sensations are triggered within the spinal cord and brain and are generally believed to be actual physical sensations.
- Soft tissue pain often accompanies sprains, strains, and damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. A painful bruise is an example of this type of injury.
- Referred pain happens in a different part of the body than the part that was injured. For example, trouble in your pancreas could lead to back pain.
Determining the type of pain you’re experiencing is an important part of your pain management Jacksonville FL treatment plan.
Determining Pain Severity
Although your experience of painful sensations is unique, defining the severity of your pain is another essential tool for managing pain. It may be possible to breathe through bouts of acute pain, or you may need to take medication for more severe pain.
Considering Your Options
The good news is that there are many pain management options other than enduring the pain and taking medication. You can also consider anti-inflammatory cream, exercise, bioelectric therapy, mind-body therapies, acupuncture, and pain-relieving treatments. Working closely with your care provider, you may find that there are psychological treatment plans and chiropractic or physical therapy options. Sometimes, herbal remedies or changes in your diet could lead to improvement.
Pain management generally begins by identifying the pain and then determining the severity of your discomfort. With this in mind, you and your medical care provider can consider the many options available before making a plan that helps you enjoy the lifestyle you want.
