Pain is a feeling that every individual experiences some time or other in one’s lifetime. Injuries, cuts, surgery, kidney stones, childbirth, all these can produce pain of different intensities. Basically, there are two types of pain, acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is a warning from the body about some internal body problem and this pain resolves as soon as the cause for the pain is treated. Chronic pain means long term pain, which leads to frustration and anger and prevents the individual from enjoying life.

Chronic diseases and injuries result in chronic pain. Some pains have unidentifiable cause. Chronic diseases are always difficult to diagnose, therefore treatment is also difficult. Cancer, fibromyalgia, spinal injury, headaches, back injury, arthritis, and nerve inflammation are conditions associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain usually leads to anxiety, depression and sleep deprivation. A psychologist or psychiatrist can provide the best solution for these mental problems through behavioral therapies.

For relief from the chronic physical pain, there are different treatment methods which range from traditional medicines to modern therapies. Analgesic medications, which are painkillers, are commonly used for relief from chronic pain. Narcotic medications, anti-convulsants, muscle relaxants and antidepressants are used to lessen pain. Exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), cutaneous stimulation, radiofrequency radio ablation, surgically embedded electrotherapy devices, prolotherapy, injections and other manual techniques are employed for pain management.

Lidocaine and mexiletene are anesthetics which are given as ointments or as oral medicines in small amounts to relieve the severity of chronic pain. Acupuncture is very effective for migraine and back pain. Meditation and relaxation methods help in relieving anxiety, and calming the aching and tense muscles.

Biofeedback, which enables one to take control over physical processes, is also an alternative medicine to reduce chronic pain. All these treatment methods help people who suffer from chronic pain recover from their distressing condition and lead a normal and happy life.