Physicians suggest tips to overcome acute pain

The truth is...not all pain is created equal.  Acute pain is where it all begins.  Lasting for several months, acute pain is typically treated with rest, time and medication.  For many, that is enough.   But if the pain persists, it converts to chronic pain, and new methods must be explored.  

"When the body doesn't heal itself naturally, pills aren't the only option to bring relief," said Lora Brown, MD an interventional pain physician and board member of the Florida Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (FSIPP), the organization behind The Pain Truth campaign.  "Technology has brought us many pain management therapies that can alleviate pain and give people back their lives."

It's estimated that over 40-million Americans suffer with chronic pain.  The physicians working with The Pain Truth campaign, which was established to combat Florida's increasing prescription drug addiction problem, are dedicated to educating the public on alternatives available for when the pain just won't go away.  They suggest:

• Don't live through the pain - early treatment can help pain from becoming more severe.  Seek medical attention if pain continues or worsens.
• Be specific in describing your condition, it will help physicians to properly treat your pain.
• Qualified pain physicians will suggest options other than on-going addictive medications.  Newer therapies including, Spinal Cord Stimulation, Intraspinal Infusion Pumps and Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy can bring pain relief
• Be vigilant when increased pain is experienced; explain the progress to your physician.

"Acute pain is not a progressive condition.  Not everyone will experience chronic pain," said Deborah Tracy, MD, president of FSIPP. "However, pain does come in varying degrees, and patients need to understand that without a proper diagnosis of their condition, pain has the potential of becoming worse and more persistent."