Pain Management: Part of the Healing Process

Why Is Pain Management Important?

Iba-iba ang pain threshold ng bawat tao. Mismong ang salitang “tiis” ay may iba’t ibang translation: mula “tolerate” hanggang “endure,” pati na rin “suffer.” Hindi lang ang physical na aspeto ang sakop ng pain, kundi pati rin ang mental well-being, emotional state, at health ng relationships.

Why is pain management important? May epekto sa mood, concentration, performance, at stress levels ang sakit na dinaramdam. Dahil dito, importanteng matutunan how to deal with pain. Mahalagang step patungo sa maginhawang buhay ang pag-resolve nito, ayon sa sariling pain sensitivity, routine, at goals.

First Step sa Pain Management Plan: Alamin ang Cause of Pain

Ayon sa ACPA (American Chronic Pain Association), identifiable ang cause ng acute pain¹ . Pwede itong nagmula sa recent surgery, injury, o iba pang event na madaling i-pinpoint.

Mas complicated naman ang chronic o persistent pain, dahil lampas na ito sa usual period of recovery/healing at maaaring meron nang tissue injury and/or damage sa nervous system.

Karaniwang cause rin ang repetitive movement tulad ng: paggamit ng computer mouse buong araw o gawain sa trabaho na intense at walang pahinga. Kadalasan, pilit ang posture o position ng katawan sa mga gawain na ito.

Bukod sa pain, iba pang symptoms ng Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) ayon sa NHS (National Health Service) ng UK ay: panghihina, stiffness, numbness, cramps—na karaniwang nararamdaman sa upper body (neck/shoulders, hands, wrist, elbow, etc.)². Subukang i-modify ang repetitive movement para bumawas ang strain at pain sa muscles, tendons, at nerves.

Pain Management Techniques

OTC Pain Relievers

Para sa acute pain tulad ng toothache, dysmenorrhea, post-operative pain, at sakit ng ulo (pwede rin sa chronic headaches tulad ng madalas ng migraine), malaking ginhawa ang fast-acting na gamot tulad ng Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon). Panis ang pain with Saridon! Paracetamol + Propyphenazone + Caffeine (Saridon) starts to release in 5 minutes. Nakakatulong ito against fever, headache, body pain, dysmenorrhea and toothache. 

Doctor’s Diagnosis

Sa case ng chronic and/or severe pain na ayaw mawala, set a doctor’s appointment. Unahin ang iyong GP o general practitioner. Maaari ka niyang i-refer sa ibang specialist tulad ng orthopedics para sa joint or back pain at neurology para sa migraines.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Ito ay isa sa mga pain management techniques na ginagawa post-injury, para guided ang recovery process ng katawan. Sa tulong ng mobility and strengthening exercises ayon sa customized plan, unti-unting naaabot ang goal na bumalik sa dating movements (range of motion) at kayang gawin (function).

Mental Conditioning

May mga chronic pain na hindi na mawawala. At dahil mahirap tanggapin na pang-lifetime na ang pain management, mahalagang may support ng family and friends. Malaking tulong rin ang personal motivation, self-care, at pagsubok ng mga activities tulad ng breathing exercises at yoga/meditation o iba pang alternative treatments period.

Psychotherapy

Dahil may epekto din sa mental at emotional health ang chronic pain, maiging magconsult sa psychologist o counselor/therapist para ma-prevent/manage ang conditions tulad ng depression, anxiety, at insomnia.

Road to Healing

Huwag magpatalo sa pain—take it day by day. Iwasan ring palalain pa ito. Ngayong nasagot na natin ang tanong na “Why is pain management important?”, maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Kung alam mo ang cause ng pain, mag-research tungkol rito para sa karagdagang information at tips. Makakatulong rin ang pagmomonitor ng progress at pagnote kung anong treatment ang gumagana’t hindi.

Tandaan na holistic ang healing. Tutukan hindi lamang ang physical, kundi pati ang mental, emotional, at social aspects ng iyong health/buhay. Hindi man ma-restore ang full physical comfort; kaya pa ring mahanap ang strength at ability to live a full and happy life.

References:

1. American Chronic Pain Association, “ACPA – Stanford Resource Guide To Chronic Pain Management An Integrated Guide to Medical, Interventional, Behavioral, Pharmacologic and Rehabilitation Therapies,” March 2020, https://www.theacpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ACPA-Resource-Guide-2020-2-26-2020.pdf
2 NHS, “Overview-Repetitive strain injury (RSI),” November 19, 2018, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC Reference No: B145N051121SS