Pain can reduce the quality of life, making you miss out on the important things that you love; effective pain relief can help reduce the suffering. Pain can lead to physical and mental suffering and affect your mood and the ability to think. You may suffer other consequences like blood pressure, and increased heart rate while your loved ones get distressed. Bart Gatz, MD specializes in effective pain management and improvement of the quality of life for you and your loved ones
Using Essential Oils to Manage Pain
Peppermint, coconut, lavender, and rosemary essential oils may relieve pain when used correctly; these oils treat different types of pains such as headaches and seizures. Essential oils are likely to curb effects such as inflammation, which is associated with pain. The herbal qualities in these oils act as opioid receptors in the brain that is responsible for the sensation of the pain.
Acupuncture in Pain Management
Acupuncture is a non-traditional method of pain relief where needles are placed on certain parts of the body. The needles are placed on the muscles and nerve endings either on the low back or the neck, acupuncture can prevent headaches and spinal cord pain.
Yoga in Pain Management
Yoga is an effective pain management exercise that involves the stretching of the muscles, breathing exercise, and relaxation techniques that contribute to physical therapy. Yoga reduces some pains, such as headaches and neck pain.
Use of Pain Medicines
Painkillers, when used regularly and on schedule, can reduce pain and leave you feeling better. Although the body can get used to the pain medication, this is a normal part of pain management and hospice care. Some people may get addicted to pain relievers and could require to get rehabilitation, and doctors advise their patients to be wary of overdependence on pain killers.
Patient’s Role in Pain Management
A patient should visit the hospital when they are in pain for a proper diagnosis before self-administering the over the counter drugs. Pain might be an indication of some severe underlying health issues. A patient should tell the doctor when they are in pain, make it clear about how they are feeling for a quicker diagnosis. One should identify any side effects they develop on pain medication drugs and report the same to the hospice team. One should also keep a pain log which shows instances when one feels pain, and how effective a given medication treated the pain. A patient should learn to take the pain medication according to the doctor’s prescription
The Role of the Loved Ones in Pain Management
Family and friends may not understand how their loved one is feeling, and a doctor should explain this to them. The family members should help the sick person in tracking the pain log and ensuring that they take the drugs according to the doctor’s prescription. Friends should encourage the patient that they will get better and help brighten their mood and develop a positive attitude.
Conclusion
Pain can alter the life of an individual and reduce their normal functioning capabilities—pain and cause other related conditions such as anxiety and depression. Finding a good doctor is vital for managing your pain. Ensure that your doctor offers you different pain-relieving options that work for your condition. A patient that suffers from pain and related illnesses should take prescribed medication and not rely on over the counter medications. Family and loved ones should play a role in helping their loved ones in the pain management journey.
