What is Pain Management
In Traditional Western Medicine, pain management treatments initially attempt to determine the underlying cause of the pain: infectious, cancerous, anatomical defect, trauma, and so on. When the cause can be accurately determined, then the appropriate intervention can be chosen, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, surgery, etc.
If there is not a clear etiology, or if the diagnosis does not have a known treatment, then palliative measures are the only recourse. A few of the most common agents and measures used in pain management are:
Narcotics
Anti-inflammatory medications
Anti-anxiety drugs
Sedatives
Antispasmodics
Physical therapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine works to restore optimum circulation and balance to the painful area, as well as the body as a whole. Pain is the result of a compromise to the normal circulation of required ingredients and nutrients. Often the impeded circulation is not located in the same area as the pain.
Either acupuncture or herbs may be used in pain management, depending on individual considerations. For stubborn conditions, a combination therapy is commonly used. Identifying the external factors and the internal organ systems that first allowed the imbalance to occur is the most important element in successful pain management.
Symptomatic treatment for the relief of pain is combined with the treatment of the root cause of the pain to achieve the quickest and most long-lasting benefits. What Is Pain? In Traditional Western Medicine, pain is a noxious signal experienced in the sensory nervous system that alerts us to a problem. Many of the chemical components involved in pain initiation and its relationship to specific parts of the brain are continuously being explored to facilitate a better understanding of pain. A majority of painful conditions are simply identified as to their location and underlying nature. Some examples are: Headache Rectal pain Cardiac pain Costochondritis (rib pain) Emotional pain Muscle and joint pain In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain represents an interruption or blockage of our body’s circulation of various factors which prevent its normal ability of nourishing and healing itself. It is observed, “Where there is blockage, there is pain; and where there is pain, there is blockage.” Both traditions identify the location, nature, quality, timing, severity and timing of the pain. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine is aware of additional communication pathways which provide insights to understanding the painful problem. Satisfactory treatment frequently lies in understanding these additional relationships and connections in the body. Pain that is severe or long lasting will eventually affect all aspects of life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Pain can first appear in just one of these three aspects, but over time, it can proceed to affect all aspects. To achieve the best results, we must identify and treat the imbalance in each area. Call today 602-952-8446 to schedule a pain management consultation and allow our experts help you decide which treatments are right for you
