Question:
What are my options for pain that won't go away?
When the Pain Won't Go Away, What Do I Do?
Persistent or chronic pain is the kind that won't go away, even with rest and conservative attempts at relieving it. If your neck pain just goes on and on, there are more aggressive measures your doctor can take to get you the relief you seek. Some are fairly simple while others are more drastic.
The first step to take is to have your doctor prescribe treatment from a physical therapist. A P.T. will be able to evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan aimed at relieving your pain and restoring the balance of strength and flexibility necessary to maintain the structural integrity of your cervical spine. Through therapeutic exercise, stretching and education, your physical therapist can show you how to relieve neck pain when it occurs. They may also incorporate the use of modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation or traction to alleviate your symptoms.
Injections using corticosteroids near the nerve roots or lidocaine to numb the pain are another treatment option. Some people find immediate, permanent relief from these types of injections. Your physician may also feel that a more potent pain medication is indicated, something stronger than what you can buy at the drug store, or possibly a muscle relaxant.
As a last resort, surgery may be necessary; however, invasive procedures should be considered only after all other attempts at achieving pain relief have failed.
Pain Relief Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes appendicitis from other abdominal pains?
Which type of arm pain is accompanied by an inability to reach backwards?
What condition causes arthritis pain of the wrist?
What may be a cause of unexplained back pain?
What are the symptoms of disc injury?
Can weather affect my health condition?
What can cause feet pain in children?
What may be causing anal pain and bleeding during pregnancy?
What may cause symptoms of pain and itching in the buttocks?
What may cause acute or severe joint pain?
Is my arthritis a result of wear-and-tear?
What may be an underlying cause of muscle pain?
How will my shoulder injury affect my neck?
What are the complications of shingles?
What happens if shingles is not treated?
What may cause a bulge in the groin?
What may cause shin pain after running?
What are the effects of a concussion?
What does "abdominal pain" refer to and what could be the cause?
What does it mean if I have numbness or tingling in my hands or arms?
What can referred pain to the arm and shoulder be a sign of?
What causes a rotator cuff tear?
How does one manage or treat arthritis?
Do supplements and herbs advertised as helping prevent and treat arthritis symptoms really work?
What are the statistics related to arthritis?
How does upper back pain develop?
How can I deal with chronic back pain?
What is the truth about low back pain?
Does heavy lifting cause back pain?
What are some pain medication myths?
Where can I turn for information on pain?
What are some conditions of the toes that can cause pain and disability?
How does pressure in the abdominal and digestive system affect hemorrhoids?
What are the treatment options for hemorrhoids?
Is it normal to be stiff and achy after a hard workout?
How can I manage my fibromyalgia?
What are the causes of neck pain?
What are the symptoms of neck pain to be aware of?
What are my options for pain that won't go away?
What are some of the causes of groin pain that are specific to men?
What are the causes of groin or genital pain in women?
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
How do I treat a sports injury?
What are the types of knee injuries that occur in sports?
Who is at risk for getting shingles?
What can be the lasting side effect of shingles?
| Guru Spotlight |
| George Sayour |
