Pain reliever therapy: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

Pain reliever therapy, or analgesic therapy, is a type of medical treatment used to provide relief from pain and other symptoms associated with illness or injury. Pain relievers can be taken orally, injected, applied topically, or administered transdermally (through the skin).

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These are used to treat pain and inflammation caused by a wide range of conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, menstrual cramps, headaches, sprains and strains. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.
• Opioids: These are powerful painkillers used to relieve severe pain, such as cancer-related or post-surgical pain. Examples include codeine, oxycodone and morphine.
• Alpha-2 Agonists: These are drugs that activate certain receptors in the brain to reduce levels of chronic pain and improve sleep quality. Examples include clonidine and lofexidine.
• Anticonvulsants: These medications help control seizures by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can lead to chronic pain symptoms such as burning or tingling sensations in the arms or legs (neuropathic pain). Examples include gabapentin and pregabalin.
• Muscle Relaxants: Muscular spasms brought on by trauma, exhaustion, or neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis can be treated with muscle relaxants (MS).They work by relaxing the muscles that have become overactive due to injury or illness. Examples include cyclobenzaprine and baclofen.
• Topical Pain Relievers: Topical analgesics contain active ingredients that block nerve signals from transmitting pain signals to the nervous system when rubbed into the skin over affected areas of the body – usually soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains or bruises, but can also be used on other types of acute or chronic pains too like headaches and arthritis joint pains etc

• Pain relief: Pain reliever therapy can help to quickly and effectively relieve pain, making it an ideal treatment option for those suffering from acute or chronic pain.
• Reduced inflammation: Through the release of natural endorphins in the body, pain reliever therapy can reduce inflammation and stimulate healing in areas of injury or trauma.
• Improved mood: By targeting both physical and emotional discomfort, pain reliever therapy can help to improve a person’s overall mood, providing a sense of comfort and relaxation that often accompanies regular treatments.
• Improved joint movement: By increasing flexibility and range of motion in affected joints, regular treatments of pain reliever therapy can improve mobility and significantly reduce stiffness associated with arthritis or other types of chronic pain conditions.
• Greater overall wellness: Thanks to its ability to provide relief from aches and pains as well as improve mood, treating with pain reliever therapy leads to overall greater levels of health and wellbeing for many individuals

• Pain reliever therapy is done to help alleviate discomfort caused by acute and chronic pain.
• Pain relievers work by reducing inflammation, numbing nerve endings, and blocking the transmission of pain signals in the body.
• In some cases they may also interrupt the production of molecules in the brain that cause pain.
• Pain reliever therapy can provide patients with safe and effective relief of their pain symptoms, allowing them to return to a more normal level of functioning.

• Risk of addiction: Medication for pain can cause physical and psychological dependency and addiction.
• Gastrointestinal problems: The overuse of pain relievers can lead to digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach bleeding.
• Liver damage: Some pain relievers can cause liver damage when taken in high doses or over long periods of time.
• Kidney damage: Pain relievers can also cause kidney damage when taken in high doses or over long periods of time.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the ingredients in certain pain relievers, which can range from mild irritation to more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

• Talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider about the various treatments that are available and what may be best suited for you, based on your medical history and current state of health.
• Have a thorough conversation about your unique requirements and objectives with your doctor or other healthcare practitioner.This will help them create a personalised treatment plan that takes into consideration any medical conditions, lifestyle habits and other factors.
• Ask questions throughout the process so that you understand the pain reliever therapy options available, possible side effects and how they may affect you personally.
• Be honest with your doctor or healthcare provider when discussing medications, as this helps to ensure that the right type of treatment is recommended for you.
• Make sure to make regular follow-up appointments with your doctor or healthcare provider so they can monitor how the pain reliever therapy is working for you over time and adjust it if necessary.

• Pain reliever therapy usually begins with a physical examination and review of the patient's medical history.
• The healthcare provider will ask questions about the pain, such as when it started, what aggravates it, and how long it lasts.
• Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans may be ordered to diagnose the cause of the pain.
• Depending on the diagnosis, a variety of treatments may be recommended including medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care.
• Medications can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, narcotics such as codeine or oxycodone, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or topical creams or gels containing anaesthetics such as lidocaine or capsaicin.
• By enhancing flexibility and range of motion while strengthening muscles, physical therapy can help relieve discomfort.
• Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of fine needles into various points on the body for therapeutic purposes; it has been found to be effective in reducing chronic pain in some individuals.
• Massage therapy can provide relief from muscle tension and reduce inflammation; it has also been found to be helpful for certain types of chronic pain such as neck or back pain resulting from an injury or condition like arthritis or sciatica.

• Get necessary permission from a doctor to undergo the therapy
• Inform healthcare provider about current medications taken
• Follow the restrictions provided by doctor or physical therapist
• Choose comfortable and loose clothing for therapy session

• Attend therapy sessions as prescribed by healthcare professional
• Listen and follow instructions given by physical therapist during the treatment session
• Relax and guide therapist through pain sensation levels throughout different steps of the process

• Take prescribed medications as advised by health care provider
• Follow up with physical therapist regularly to monitor progress on treatment goals
• Incorporate recommended exercise, relaxation and health practices in daily routine to keep pain levels low
• Remain active with light exercises like walking, swimming etc. that do not trigger pain sensation.

Generally, a single session costs between 500 - 2000 Indian rupees. However, this amount can vary widely depending on the experience and speciality of the doctor consulted.

• Leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach, which contain anti-inflammatory compounds
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed, which can help reduce inflammation
• Whole grains like oatmeal or quinoa, which provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
• Low fat dairy products such as Greek yoghourt and low fat cheeses
• Berries or melon, which contain antioxidants
• Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts for extra protein
• For nutritious nutrients, choose lean proteins like fish or chicken.

Pain reliever therapy is generally safe when taken as directed. Nonetheless, it's crucial to discuss the dangers and potential side effects of any drug you're taking with your doctor.

In general, it might take a person from a few days to many weeks to feel better after receiving pain medication therapy.

Some people may require additional therapies or medications in order to achieve optimal results and long-term relief. To decide on the best course of action for your disease, it is crucial to consult your healthcare professional.

• Upset stomach, nauseous, and vomiting.
• Harm to the kidneys or liver, especially after prolonged usage.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Dizziness and drowsiness.
• Headache and fatigue.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Constipation or diarrhoea.
• Heartburn or indigestion

• Follow a healthy lifestyle: Diet, exercise, and rest are important components of a healthy lifestyle. You may maintain your general health by eating well, engaging in regular exercise, and getting adequate sleep.
• Practice relaxation methods: Relaxation methods, such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualisation, and deep breathing, can help people manage their stress and discomfort better.
• Use cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT can assist you in identifying and modifying unfavourable attitudes and beliefs that may be causing or contributing to your discomfort.
• Participate in physical therapy: Physical therapists can provide specific exercises to strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, reduce pain, and maximise function.
• Consider alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as massage or acupuncture may be helpful for some people in managing their pain symptoms.
• Use medications appropriately: Pain relievers should only be used as directed by your doctor or pharmacist and should never be used in combination with alcohol or other drugs without medical supervision.

For patients with acute or chronic pain, painkiller therapy is a successful treatment choice. It can lessen discomfort, enhance quality of life, and lessen the likelihood of developing new troubles or health issues. Ultimately, pain reliever therapy can help manage a patient's pain so that they can enjoy their daily activities without any unnecessary worry or stress.