New Approaches to Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can have devastating long-term effects on a person. It can derail even the most well-planned of days, and in some people, it can lead to crushing depression and anxiety. Painkillers can lead to even worse problems from side effects to addiction to rebound pain, making treatment complicated. But new approaches may have some exciting breakthroughs to offer.
Antiepileptic Medications
A class of medications originally developed to control seizures has proven beneficial in controlling pain levels for some people. Gabapentin and pregabalin both work by reducing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The same reduced neural activity that lowers the possibility of seizures also works to dampen nerves responsible for pain. These types of medications may be especially helpful in combating fibromyalgia and nerve pain.
Gabapentin and pregabalin are both common causes of dizziness and drowsiness, and there’s evidence that some people may misuse them for their sedative effects. For that reason, people with a history of abusing other drugs should seek alternative treatment options for their pain and all users should be aware that this option is not without side-effects.
Cannabinoids
Some doctors are finding value in medical cannabis for chronic pain management. Not only could cannabis be a promising alternative to opioids, but it may help some patients reduce the uncomfortable effects of withdrawals. Cannabis has multiple active compounds that can reduce pain levels and improve patient wellbeing. It’s not for everyone, though as this drug also has some potential for abuse, so as with gabapentin and pregabalin, cannabis might not be the best choice for people who might overuse it or who have a history of drug abuse.
Mind-Body Approaches
Some people are finding relief by tossing the painkillers altogether and taking a wholly different approach. Instead of seeking to eradicate their discomfort, which may be impossible with or without painkillers, they work to change their perceptions of it. Before you dismiss this approach out of hand, know that it does work for some people. It's best with an approach like this, however, to refrain from prescribing it as a treatment to others so please know that we at Wellness are not here to prescribe this or any treatment and that what we want most of all is for people to feel good and find relief, in whatever therapy works for them.
Here are a few different ways to try out the mind/body approach:
- A mindfulness approach to pain management asks sufferers to invite in and accept their pain without judgment. With the help of breathing exercises, body checking and strategic distraction, users can stay grounded and reduce their focus on the negative aspects of the pain.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) rewires users to view their pain from a place of acceptance, with the understanding that sufferers can enjoy life despite being in discomfort. Pain becomes less of a focus in life, despite its continued presence.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers patients coping techniques that may make pain levels more manageable. CBT may also be useful in helping people wanting to reduce or stop taking opioid painkillers.
These and similar approaches can work in conjunction with, or in place of, conventional treatments. They may also reduce the occurrence of anxiety, depression and other negative symptoms that can come along with being in chronic pain.
Pain can feel like it’s sucking the life out of you, and treatment options can leave sufferers feeling just as lost. If you can relate, talk to your doctor about alternatives to opioid therapy—but know that if opioid therapy is working for you, then there is no reason to feel pushed to find alternatives. If needed though, there are other options out there. Just please, don't give up.
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