Overview

Pain and inflammation are universal phenomena that affect human lives. Acute pain may improve rapidly, but chronic pain can be difficult to treat. The consequences of pain can be severely debilitating, e.g. loss of mobility, disability, depression, and isolation. Here, we will look at strategies which may provide relief. We need to understand pain and how it impacts our lives.

Origin of pain

Our body protects itself against injury and infections by causing inflammation. Inflammation causes pain, redness, swelling, heat, and loss of function. Pain and inflammation go hand in hand. One leads to the other. Tissue damage leads to the activation of special pain receptors on nerve endings. Signals are sent via the nerves and the spinal cord to reach the brain which interprets these messages. The brain then sends a response e.g. pain, burning sensation, crying etc.

Types of pain

• Acute pain is severe and short-lived
• Chronic pain may be mild to severe and is of long-standing duration

Consequences of inadequate pain management

It is a universally acknowledged fact that pain management and control can be challenging. Untreated acute pain increases heart rate and triggers the release of chemicals in the blood that are toxic to nearly every organ in the human body. This may result in heart attack, bleeding, stroke, kidney and GIT dysfunction and other complications.

Chronic pain causes maladjustment of suffering individuals in their family and social surroundings.

People suffering from chronic pain are four times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.¹

Pain and inflammation: strategies for relief

The strategies for pain relief should include medical history and consider the impact of pain on physical abilities and overall well-being. Multidisciplinary approaches such as medical treatment, rehabilitation and lifestyle changes are all included in therapy for managing pain.

Lifestyle management

Traditional, ancient, and modern medicine unanimously agree with the principle that most diseases are caused by unhealthy lifestyles. Making small changes in our daily routines can help to manage pain.

Role of diet and nutrition.

A relationship exists between diet and chronic pain. 

• Plant-based food and Mediterranean diets, those rich in fruits, green vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, are beneficial
• Diets that include omega3, vitamin D, and B12 reduce inflammation. It has been established that diets rich in carbohydrates increase inflammation
•  Sugars, starches, and alcohol are known to exaserbate pain
• Alcohol should be avoided as it damages nerves

The diet offers secondary gains in control of pain.²

Role of exercise and physical activity 

Inactive lifestyle habits reduce synovial fluid production that protects the joints. This reduction in lubricating fluid can lead to degeneration of the joints.

One tends to get into a vicious cycle of inactivity with pain. The truth is, the more you tend to rest, the more the pain increases.

Quality Sleep

Sleeplessness causes fatigue, anxiety, and depression. These are commonly associated presentations of chronic pain. Proper sleep of 7-8 hours per night reduces the effects associated with pain.²

Stress

Stress impacts the musculoskeletal system as well as the capacity of the body to do work. The relationship between the two is bidirectional- stress causes loss of function, and vice versa.

Anxiety and depressive symptoms can be suggestive of the musculoskeletal system diseases. These symptoms lower the threshold for pain and initiate the cycle of inactivity.

Natural remedies

Herbal treatment

Nutraceuticals derived from plants relieve pain. These herbal medications are advantageous as they have no side effects.¹

White willow bark is a traditional medicine used for management of pain and inflammation. White willow bark has a very similar action to that of Aspirin. Aspirin use can have possible gastric side effects.

Curcumin, a yellow pigment in turmeric, is a spice and Ayurvedic medicine. It is an anti-inflammatory agent used in digestive disorders and wound healing. Curcumin, in low doses, can be taken by patients on anticoagulant therapy. It is not advisable to take Aspirin with anticoagulant therapy.

Green Tea is an anti-inflammatory agent in arthritis. It gets a preventive nature from its antioxidant properties.

https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-aromatherapy-relaxation-8328470/

Aromatherapy 

The aroma of essential oils is a complementary medicine. Essential oils can be added to topical gels, creams, or used as inhalations and baths.

Molecules of essential oils enter our system from the nose, and they cause a secretion of chemicals in the body that relieve the pain. Aromatherapy even brings about changes in breathing patterns that assist with pain relief.

Lavender oil has pain-relieving properties. Lavender’s oil includes linalool, linalool-acetate, ketones, and more. Linalool and linalool acetate act as a sedative and anaesthetic and relieve pain. Other oils dilute essential oils. Lavender oil is mild and can be used concentrated. (people with sensitive skin need to be careful).³

Chamomile oil is an ancient and the most popular herb used for pain relief 

Some other essential oils that reduce inflammation are eucalyptus, rosemary, and thyme. 

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture is a traditional method involving thin needles inserted into the skin. They stimulate nerves and muscles in the body to relieve pain, tension, and stress. The process has few and less severe side effects.

Acupressure is a non-invasive technique that uses fingers to apply pressure on acupoints. These points correspond to different organs or systems of the body. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine balances energies within the body to ensure health, happiness, relaxation and energy. Out of balance, however, yin and yang negatively affect your health.⁴

Hot and cold therapy

Cold or ice applications reduce inflammation and tissue damage in injuries. It is an effective way to lessen acute pain.⁵

Heat reduces pain in affected body regions. It increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues and increases mobility of the joints.⁵

Medications

Pharmacological pain management includes non-opioid, opioid analgesics, corticosteroids, and other adjuvant analgesics (muscle relaxants, antidepressants). 

Over-the-counter and non-steroidal prescription medicines are the first line of treatment. They can have disadvantages when taken over long periods. Pain control with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause damaging effects: gastric, cardiovascular, and renal side effects. Opioids cause dependence.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

The single most important reason for people seeking physical therapy is pain. It can be simple massage, exercise or electrical stimulation.

Exercise

Performing exercises tailored for individuals helps in reducing pain. Daily exercises maintain physical health. Individuals doing regular exercise have fewer episodes of muscular pains.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) 

It is an effective pain control method. The electrical current stimulates nerve fibers to transmit or inhibit pain sensations.

Mind Body techniques 

Relaxation techniques also have been used for rehabilitation. Most techniques require systematic training and patient cooperation.

These techniques include passive concentration, autosuggestion, hypnosis relaxation, yoga, and meditation.⁷

The intensity of pain modifies and affects breathing frequency, patterns, and depth. A voluntary change in breathing patterns, increasing inhalation or exhalation. An intentional pause in breathing induces relaxation and even diminishes pain.

Future trends in pain management: virtual reality 

By making use of new technology one can create a virtual reality atmosphere that immerses patients in a computer-simulated three-dimensional environment to distract them.⁶

Cognitive-behavioral procedures and hypnosis have been effective in pain reduction. 

Distraction

• Distraction can be effective since immemorial time lessens pain
• Soothing music and watching favorite movies offer distractions
• Distractions consume our resources and leave little cognitive capacity for pain processing

FAQ’s

What is pain?

Pain is a protective mechanism that protects us from harmful stimuli associated with injury or its threat. It is a physiological and psychological response to a stimulus. It helps by letting us withdraw from unacceptable or unfavourable situations.

How can we manage inflammatory pain?

It requires a balance between analgesia and associated side effects. Pain is a complex phenomenon involving the peripheral and central nervous system.

Does chronic pain go away?

We manage chronic pain by reducing or improving a person’s coping mechanism.

How is pain quantified?

Pain is a subjective phenomenon. It means that only the patient experiences it. Some people have higher thresholds than others. The intensities can vary.

Summary 

Strategies for relief of pain 

• Participate in activities that encourage movement
• Engage in mindfulness
• Practice good sleep habits
• Performing meditation
• Eliminate unhelpful substances
• Treat associated conditions that cause pain
• Eat healthy food

Self-management tools, over-the-counter medications, and physical therapy help to reduce pain. Avoid self-medication. Always consult a health care practitioner.