People who have never had to live with chronic back pain find it hard to understand what loved ones are going through. Pain that is centered on and around the spine can affect everything from the ability to stand to being able to move the legs. Fortunately, there are strategies for pain management Norman that help to alleviate that pain and restore some degree of mobility.
Noninvasive Approaches to Managing Pain
For some sufferers, physical therapy can help to reduce the amount of pain, at least for a short period of time. The exact nature of the therapy will depend on the underlying reasons for the discomfort. Hydrotherapy, which involves spending time in a body of warm water, can help to alleviated pressure on disks that are damaged or compressed. This same approach can help when the origin of the issue is strained muscles along the spinal column. Oral medication can also help to provide a temporary respite from the pain. This approach to pain management Norman will likely involve the use of prescription medications that help to relax tense muscles and reduce the tension that is in the affected areas. The relief can be so great that the patient is able to engage in light physical activity, like taking a walk.
The Use of Invasive Approaches
The process of pain management can also involve using more aggressive methods. When oral pain medication does not seem to help much, there is the option of considering injections. This minimally invasive technique is used to administer the medication directly to the affected site. As a result, the effect is almost immediate. Some injections are referred to as blocks. This is because the purpose of the injection is not to relax tense muscles but to block the nerves from sending the impulses that trigger the pain. An epidural is an excellent example of this type of injection. Patients who are suffering with some type of ongoing pain along the spinal column should consult with Darryl D Robinson. A series of examinations and tests can help determine the origin of the pain and what is needed to correct the problem. At the same time, steps can be taken to help reduce the amount of pain the patient feels while more permanent solutions are arranged. Visit for more information.
