Many people experience some type of pain daily; it’s all part of living with this condition. However, not everyone has the same kind of pain nor experiences their symptoms in the same way. Some pains may be more severe than others, but in most cases, the causes of pain are similar. In this article, you will be provided with a list of the most common types of pain and the best ways to deal with them.
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Joint and Muscle Pain
Like back pain, joint and muscle pain may be caused by an “episode” but is not necessarily permanent. Arthritis is a common type of inflammatory disorder that can cause inflammation of the joints leading to stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis or degenerative arthritis is wear-and-tear on the joints which leads to loss of cartilage, inflammation, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own tissues including the tissues in the joints leading to inflammation and pain. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes generalized musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, memory problems, sleep issues, headaches, depression, and anxiety.
You can treat joint injuries with rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE) as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Motrin. Additionally, those suffering from arthritis or fibromyalgia may find that a change in diet sometimes alleviates the pain associated with these disorders. Medical research has found potential in stem cell therapy for knee pain and other types of joint pains. While further studies are warranted for this treatment, clinics that provide this treatment and patients who received it have reported positive outcomes.
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Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They usually begin in the back of the head and spread across the skull. Triggers for tension headaches may be stress, lack of sleep, or even eye strain from spending too much time in front of a computer screen. Migraine pain tends to feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating and is often accompanied by sensory warning signs such as an aura or seeing halos around lights.
Many people who suffer from migraines are able to feel an oncoming migraine and take precautions before the full-blown pain sets in. Tension headaches, however, are often unexpected. As if suddenly taking a sharp blow to the head, tension headache sufferers find themselves with severe pain that may be accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.
Tension headaches can be alleviated with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Aspirin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). If pain is severe, consult a doctor.
Migraines may also be treated with OTC medications but it is also possible to use prescription medication. For some, triptan injections or nasal sprays have proven effective in reducing or stopping migraines before they begin.
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Back Pain
Back pain is most commonly caused by another condition known as an “episode”. Being diagnosed with a back issue does not mean being stuck with it forever though.
There are many treatment alternatives for back pain. Lifestyle changes, exercises, and stretches can help to alleviate pain by strengthening the muscles that support your back. If you do not like the idea of “helping yourself”, there are also other opportunities to relieve pain including acupuncture, massage therapy, anti-inflammatory medication (such as Advil), even over-the-counter pain medication.
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Stomach Pain
Gastrointestinal disorders are often characterized by stomach pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of these symptoms.
Stomach ulcers are small lesions that can cause abdominal pain and discomfort as well as acid reflux disease, a condition where stomach acid burns the esophagus.
Gastrointestinal problems can be treated with OTC medications such as antacids, anti-nausea medication, and pain relievers. It is also possible to treat these disorders using dietary modifications and lifestyle changes including stress management and physical activity.
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Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower spine, through your hips and buttocks, down each leg. The result can be tingling or pain that shoots into the legs or feet. Leg pain is typically worse than back pain with this condition. The cause of this type of pain is typically a herniated disc, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Sciatica can be treated with rest and medication such as ibuprofen to reduce the pain and inflammation. In more severe cases surgery may be necessary.
In conclusion, knowing what type of pain you are experiencing and how to treat it is your first step towards a speedy recovery. Hopefully, you will be able to find the help you need in this article and learn how to handle your type of pain.