Bumps and bruises are unfortunately an inevitable part of life, but pain can feel particularly overwhelming when combined with the emotional experience of an auto accident.
Whether you feel too exhausted or don’t initially realize the severity of your pain, it’s still always best to seek medical attention immediately after an accident or injury. After all, receiving a timely (and accurate) medical assessment will allow you to receive a more productive and efficient pain management plan.
So what exactly does “pain management” mean and how do you know if you really need it? Keep reading as we break it all down for you.
What is pain?
Pain is generally broken down into two categories: acute and chronic pain.
Acute pain is the most common form and it typically lasts fewer than three months. This type of pain occurs suddenly in response to an illness, major surgery or yes, an injury. In the case of auto accidents, some of the most common injuries include headaches, stiffness or pain in the neck and shoulders, and back pain.
Because acute pain can develop into chronic pain, it is important that acute pain be accurately diagnosed and effectively treated in a timely fashion.
What is the difference between medicine vs treatment?
When it comes to pain, medicines such as analgesics (pain relievers) are oftentimes used for short term relief of pain symptoms.
Over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in treating acute pain because they help target the body’s natural inflammation, while topical analgesics can be used to help alleviate muscle pain. Opioids can effectively treat pain, however, it is important to note that they also carry their own risks.
Of course, at the end of the day, medication is not necessarily a permanent solution as it is really only used to temporarily relieve pain. Treatments, however, are more comprehensive as they’re meant to give a person the necessary medicines and therapy to cure them biologically.
What is pain management?
For those who have been unsuccessful with medications and other conservative treatment methods, interventional pain management is most likely an appropriate next step for you.
Interventional pain management utilizes pain blocking techniques that will help restore a patient’s quality of life by making day-to-day activities less difficult. This method is typically used when pain is debilitating enough that it interferes with your daily activities, and other treatment types have not been successful in reducing pain.
Where to Go When You Need Help
Pain may be a universal concept, but despite our familiarity, the experience of pain can leave us feeling isolated, exhausted and desperate.
At AIPI, our main goal is always to get you diagnosed and treated properly so that we can get you on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one are experiencing pain or discomfort from an auto accident, please reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.