Living with pain makes everything harder. Fortunately, you have options for pain management in St. Augustine, FL. This brief guide will explore the fundamentals for addressing chronic pain caused by arthritis, old injuries, and more.

 

First, it’s important to determine the nature of the pain and its underlying cause. Your options will vary based on whether you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain versus neuropathic pain and so on. An experienced doctor at a pain management clinic can help you get answers.

 

3 Core Pain Management Methods

Most pain management methods fall into one of the following categories. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so discuss your options with a knowledgeable health professional to determine what’s right for your case.

 

Medication: Prescription drugs can be very helpful, delivering quicker relief than other options. For many patients, finding the right medication can be life-changing. However, there may be undesirable side effects, and many aren’t appropriate for long-term use. Plus, they do not address the underlying cause.

 

Therapy: Physical therapy and similar techniques can be powerful tools for pain management and relief. It is important to get a therapy plan that’s customized to your specific case and to follow it faithfully. Therapy typically takes time to yield results, but you may also see additional improvements like improved strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

 

Surgery: When less invasive methods aren’t sufficient for pain management, your doctor may recommend surgery. Many different minor and major surgeries exist to both correct underlying issues and address immediate symptoms; your options will depend on what’s causing your pain.