What are Pain Conditions?
Pain management is a critical component of healthcare, as pain can be a complex and debilitating condition affecting both physical and emotional well-being. It is usually triggered by the nervous system’s response to a stimulus like an injury or disease and can be acute or chronic. While over-the-counter medications can relieve acute pain, chronic pain requires a comprehensive approach, including physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and effective pain management strategies. Seeking the assistance of a healthcare professional is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan. With the right approach, individuals experiencing pain can effectively manage and regain control of their lives.
What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain?
- Acute pain is a short-term pain that is usually caused by injury or inflammation, such as a broken bone or a sprained ankle. It is typically diagnosed and treated quickly, and it usually subsides once the injury has healed.
- Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for more than three months and can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as arthritis, lower back pain, or nerve damage. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain can be intermittent or persistent and can last for months or even years. Chronic pain can also be considered as a disease itself.
It is important to note that chronic pain can be a result of acute pain if left untreated, such as after surgery. Therefore it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional if you are experiencing pain that persists beyond a reasonable time frame.
What are the Four Types of Pain?
- Nociceptive pain: This is the most common type of pain and is caused by physical injury or damage to tissues. Examples include injuries, surgeries, and mechanical back pain.
- Inflammatory pain: This type of pain is caused by inflammation and tissue damage. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, heat, pain, and loss of function.
- Neuropathic pain: This type of pain is caused by a dysfunction in the nervous system and can include conditions such as neuropathy, radicular pain, and trigeminal neuralgia. Symptoms can be a shooting, stabbing, or burning sensation.
- Functional pain: This type of pain is characterized by pain and related symptoms and disability without clear structural or disease etiology. Examples include fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Everyone feels pain, and pain feels different to everyone. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is Pain Treated at Ananta Health?
In conventional medicine, patients are often prescribed pain medications which can come with side effects and still leave the patient in pain. At Ananta Health, a treatment plan is created based on clinical findings and the patients’ needs. BioScan SRT assessments are used to see if the presence of an external pathogen (such a virus, parasites, candida or Lyme Disease) or allergy is the root cause or contributor of a person’s physical pain and inflammation. In order to treat pain we use acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and supplements to help our patients.
Pain treatment can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Conventional medicine often involves the use of pain medication, which can come with side effects and may not fully alleviate the pain. At Ananta Health, a personalized treatment plan is created based on clinical findings and the patient’s needs. One of the methods used to diagnose the root cause of pain is BioScan SRT assessment, which can detect the presence of external pathogens (such as viruses, allergies, parasites, candida or Lyme disease) or that may be contributing to pain and inflammation. In addition to conventional methods, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and supplements may also be used to treat pain at Ananta Health. These holistic approaches aim to address the root cause of the pain and provide relief without the use of medication. By utilizing a combination of different alternative treatments, Ananta Health helps patients to effectively manage their pain and improve their overall well-being.
How can Acupuncture help Acute Pain and Chronic Pain?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body called acupoints. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including pain.
Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in reducing pain by several mechanisms:
- Reducing inflammation: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation by stimulating the release of natural anti-inflammatory substances in the body.
- Improving motor function: Acupuncture can improve the functioning of muscles, nerves, and joints by increasing blood flow and reducing muscle spasms.
- Reducing the stress response to pain: Acupuncture can reduce the stress response to pain by balancing the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin.
Research has shown that acupuncture is effective in the management of various types of pain, including chronic pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment option with minimal side effects, making it a popular choice for pain management.