Orthopedic Pain: How To Find Relief
Aging puts wear and tear on the joints causing pain. Pain in these areas is also due to injuries, deformities, and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic doctors treat these disorders and help patients manage the pain that results from issues with the entire musculoskeletal system. This includes back pain, which is a common complaint.
How can your orthopedic doctor help? Here are some ways you and your doctor can help manage your pain.
What Is Orthopedic Pain?
Understanding what is considered orthopedic pain can assist you in getting the help needed. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose and treat pain in some of the main areas patients have issues.
- Hips
- Knees
- Back
- Ankle
- Neck
- Shoulder
- Wrist and hand
This is not a complete list, as orthopedic doctors treat any joint and muscles in the body.
What Are Some Treatment Options?
Before you an orthopedist can recommend a course of treatment, he or she must first diagnose the problem. This is done using a physical exam, x-rays, and if necessary, MRIs to determine the issue.
Once a diagnosis is made, patients have a variety of options.
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Prescription pain relievers
- Muscle relaxers
- Injections
- Surgical options
The doctor's goal is to provide pain relief with as few side effects as possible. And while doing so, help the patient maintain proper function.
What About Chronic Pain?
The treatment options an orthopedic doctor recommends are geared toward preventing a patient from having chronic pain. However, different levels of pain require different treatments.
Chronic pain often requires different medication options including both over-the-counter and prescription medications. This includes counseling when necessary and sometimes anti-depressant drugs to help block pain.
Depending on the patient and diagnosis, injections, surgery, and other procedure may be necessary to help provide relief.
What Can You Do?
Along with your doctor's treatment plan, you can do some things at home to help ease your pain. Reducing stress and engaging in activities that help your body relieve pain by releasing endorphins.
Some things you can do include:
- Deep breathing
- Exercise
- Cut back on alcohol
- Don't smoke
- Keep track of pain levels
Your doctor can help you decide what exercises are safe and may help ease your pain. You should also listen to your body when engaging in activities and don't overdo as this may worsen the pain.
You don't have to live with pain. Your orthopedic doctor can work closely with you to find the best treatment options for your type and level of pain.
To learn more about pain management, reach out to a local medical health professional.
Share