About this topic
Pain can be an unpleasant feeling that happens in any part of the body. It can be mild or very bad. You may feel this pain always or it may just come and go. It may be dull, sharp, or throbbing. Pain can last for a long time or a short time. Pain can cause upset stomach and throwing up. When you are in pain you may not feel hungry. You may feel nervous. ‚
Pain can be acute or chronic. Acute pain tells you there may be an injury and you need to take care of yourself. Chronic pain lasts for a long period of time. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Headache
- Back problems
- Arthritis
- Muscle strain
- Menstrual pain in women
What are the main signs?
Pain can be throbbing or shooting. Some people feel pain as dull and others as sharp. It may tingle or burn and shoot down an arm or leg. You may also notice that you are limited when moving a part of your body from pain. Sometimes, pain causes you to have muscle aches or spasms. Other people have headaches or are grouchy when in pain. Some people have loose stools when in pain. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask you to talk about your pain. Tell the doctor: ‚
- How your pain feels. Is it dull, sharp, burning, stabbing, or cramping?
- Where your pain is
- What causes your pain
- What makes your pain better or worse
Your doctor may ask you to rate your pain. This means you would pick a number or picture that most closely describes your pain. The doctor may ask you to say what number your pain is between 1 and 10. One means you have very little pain and 10 means you have the worst pain ever. ‚
An exam will help your doctor find out where the pain is and what is causing it. Some simple blood tests may be done. This will help your doctor decide if any other tests are needed. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Mild drugs may be ordered to ease your pain. Sometimes, pain is a sign of some other problem in your body. In this case, drugs may not be ordered at all or only mild ones given. ‚
To treat mild to moderate pain: ‚
- Acetaminophen
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen
- NSAIDs in a cream form can be used on the skin where you feel the pain
To treat moderate to very bad pain: ‚
- Weak opioid drugs like codeine
- Strong opioid drugs like morphine
To treat long-term pain: ‚
- Antidepressant drugs or antiseizure drugs may help ease certain types of pain linked to the brain and spinal cord.
- Corticosteroids, like prednisone, may be given by mouth or as a shot for certain types of pain and swelling.
Ice, heat, and rest may be used to ease pain and help with swelling from muscle pain. ‚
When Using Ice ‚
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
When Using Heat ‚
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse. If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
Your doctor may suggest other types of pain control to help you. Some of these are massage, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and relaxation. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Some of these drugs can be habit forming and may cause side effects. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor about any pain you have. Your doctor can help you make a plan to lower your pain.
- Some causes of pain get better by staying active and working out. Your doctor may send you to a physical therapist to help you work on strength exercises and stretching.
Where can I learn more?
Journal of the American Medical Association ‚
http://www.jama.ama-assn.org/content/299/1/128.full.pdf/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚