Why Healing Pain, Not Hiding It, Should Be the Focus of Pain Management

If you are living with pain, it is understandable that you want relief ASAP! A doctor may advise the use of painkiller medications; those are fine for short-term use, but they are not a long-term solution! Instead, the true focus of pain management should be on identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem, not simply on masking symptoms. Continue reading below to learn more about this important topic.

The Problem with Hiding Pain

There is no doubt that painkillers and other methods that simply mask pain are useful. They can allow you to stay active and improve your quality of life. However, long-term use of these techniques is highly problematic!

For example, painkillers work by altering your body’s perception of pain. Therefore, they do nothing to address its actual source. The injury or condition behind the pain may worsen over time if it is not properly addressed. Plus, certain pain medications, such as opioids, come with concerning side effects, such as constipation and drowsiness. Many patients have even become dependent on them.

How Does Effective Pain Management Work?

Effective pain management takes time. It might also require some trial and error. A skilled doctor may do the following:

• Ask for details about the pain. When did it start? What seems to make it better or worse? Were you involved in an accident that may have caused an injury? What have you been doing at home to manage your symptoms? How is the pain affecting your daily life?
• Perform diagnostic tests. X-rays, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and other imaging techniques can allow your doctor to see into your body. This may provide insight into the specific nature of your injury or condition.
• Suggest conservative pain management options. While surgery can be a great option in some cases, it should be a last resort. More conservative approaches should always be favored whenever possible. Short-term painkiller use may be recommended in some cases.

The Focus on Healing

A responsible doctor will be quick to recommend therapies that can support your body’s ability to heal itself. Some options that have already helped many patients include:

• Physical therapy
• Osteopathic manipulation
• Homeopathy
• Regenerative medicine, such as prolotherapy Prolozone, PRP, and ozone therapy

Often, a combination of these non-surgical treatments provides the best results. Your doctor should schedule follow-ups with you and help you understand the long-term prognosis for your condition.

Pain management should aim to heal you, not hide your symptoms! Choose a care provider that will take time to help you understand your condition and make wise decisions about how to approach it.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics, we focus on providing non-invasive and minimally invasive therapies for musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you are dealing with an acute injury or chronic pain, we would be happy to welcome you into our Fort Lauderdale office for a thorough consultation. Get in touch with our team at 954-563-2707.