Pain Management

artificialdonkey asked:


I’ve been referred to a pain management specialist who I will see this week.

I have health insurance but I am unsure how much I should expect to pay for this visit.

Will there be an additional cost besides the copay?

Anyone with experience with PM doctors please help! Thanks!

HARLAN

Article Manager asked:


Tramadol is a pain killer used to treat moderate to severe stages of pain. It is a synthetic agent as 4-phenyl-piperidine analogue of codeine. It is believed to function like morphine. Additionally, its actual actions are not known till date. Therefore, it is suggested to take this medicine only after a consultation with a doctor or physician. Tramadol is the generic form of Ultram.

Tramadol functions in the brain. It thwarts the receptors in the brain which convey the message of pain in the entire body. It is safe to take the medicine, if taken for short durations of time and under the doctor’s observation. The medicine should be taken during emergency situations. The medicine is available in variations differing in milligrams. For the immediate release normally 50 mg is given and in extended time release 100 mg, 200 mg and 300 mg could be prescribed after studying the condition of the patient.

It is recommended to take the medicine in the same form as prescribed by physician. One should not crush it, chew or split it during use. Tramadol should be taken as a whole. The consumer will not get addictive to the medicine if taken for short durations of time. If the medicine is taken for longer period of time then it is commonly found that the medicine acquires a resistance. In this condition you may feel that Tramadol is not working at all in your pain management. The medicine will lose its effectiveness.

The long term users of the medicines are recommended not to start or stop taking the medicine by themselves. The patient should not increase or decrease the dosage also without consulting the doctor. The dosage of the medicine or any change in the prescription should only be made after the check up and consulting the doctor or the physician. If you feel any unpleasant side effects of the medicine on the body, you need to visit the doctor soon.

It is better to be honest with the doctor about your current medications and adverse reactions of any particular medicine on the body. Then only he will be able to suggest the better medications. Tramadol can be taken in combination with Carbamazepine; it is normally prescribed for the treatment of epilepsy and bi polar disorder. Carbamazepine also reduces the effect of Tramadol.

Tramadol has some side effects if not taken with proper care. The only issue lies in the addictive properties of the medicine. Therefore, the medicine should be taken under the guidance of an expert physician.



PASQUALE

Dog Mama asked:


I have chronic back pain, and my regular doctor is sending me to one, since physical therapy isn’t working. (He doesn’t like to prescribe narcotic pain medication more than once). So what can I expect at the Pain Clinic?

TOBY

Art Gib asked:


Recently, the entertainment world was shaken by the untimely death of Heath Ledger, one of Hollywood’s brightest and most talented young stars. During the weeks following his death, there was much speculation and suspicion surrounding his drug-related passing, most people assuming it was an overdose. It was fairly obvious from the evidence at the scene that drugs were involved, but many questions loomed as to whether his death was accidental or an act of *******.

Autopsies, which were initially inconclusive, finally determined that Ledger’s death was not an overdose at all, but was drug related. Ledger had taken “safe amounts” of painkillers Oxycontin (Oxycodone) and Vicodin (Hydrocodone), anti- anxiety drugs Valium (Dizepam) and Xanax (Alprazolam), as well as the sleep aid Restoril (Temazepam) and the over-the-counter antihistamine, Unisom. While none of these drugs were taken in excess, investigators determined that the combination of these drugs — many of which affect the central nervous system (CNS) — was lethal.

Authorities have now decided to investigate the physicians that prescribed these drugs to determine whether any fault might lie with them in Ledger’s death, because there is a question as to whether he needed all these drugs.

Ledger’s death has many people questioning the numerous medications that our society consumes. We are an extremely medicated nation, it seems, and we could be on the verge of getting out of control. Utah, in particular, is a highly-medicated area. People are seemingly quick to run to pain medications for ailments that probably don’t warrant them.

Utah Pain Management

There are other methods of pain management in Utah without being dependent on drugs. Several pain doctors in Utah have developed methods that are safe, effective, and far less risky than heavy narcotics. Furthermore, pain clinics in Utah often specialize, not only in pain relief, but in pain management. This entails the eradication of the “pain cycle” and helps manage and prevent pain on a long-term basis.

The Pain Cycle, simply put, is that pain leads to inactivity, which leads to muscle weakness and atrophy, and thus, more pain. Those experiencing chronic pain in Utah (and elsewhere) often fall victim to this pain cycle and begin to lose hope that their pain may ever leave them. It is important for these patients to be able to overcome the pain cycle and move towards wellness.

It is unlikely that Heath Ledger suffered from chronic pain, but it is very likely that he was over-medicated and that is what led to his untimely death. In Utah, back pain, depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness are bound to happen, but it’s important to be mindful of our medications and not to be dependent on chemical relief when there are other options available.



ANDREW

Steven Giles asked:


ve come a long way over the last century in relation to pain management. There are a number of procedures, medications, and treatments available to help people who are in chronic pain. Some things work, and certain procedures and therapies only make matters worse. One of the biggest mistakes that have been made over the last few decades is the frequent recommendation to use pain killers. Doctors all over the world are writing prescriptions for drugs like methadone, Vicodin, and hydrocodone way too much and it is causing some very obvious problems.

The type of problems that are being caused are the same one\’s that are causing the pharmaceutical industry to reconsider what types of drugs they want to distribute out into the market. Too many people are dying from accidental overdose from the same type of painkillers as those listed above. These drugs are also very addictive, so it is a very risky thing to prescribe them to just anyone. Most people who become addicted to painkillers usually take their first pill via written prescription. However, none of this is cause for worry because there are much better ways to treat, prevent, and cure the source of your pain.

The latest advancement in pain management comes from something that has been around for over a century - Pilates. Over the years, people have studied the effects of Pilates on the body and have found that strengthening the body from the inside out is the best way to relieve pain. The strengthening and stretching routine starts by working the core of the body. The abdominal, buttock, hip, and lower back muscles are involved in every exercise. People who experience pain in other areas of their body besides their back can also find relief by doing Pilates because all pain starts at the core of the body.

The reason why it begins in this area is because when the spine is misaligned, all parts suffer and become out of balance. Everything in the body is connected to the back. The legs, arms, head, neck, fingers, knees, etc. All spur out from the spine. Let\’s say that you have a misalignment in your lower back. The nearest area to be affected would be the hips and obviously, the lower back. That pain will eventually cause tightening and stiffness in the legs. That same misalignment may cause pulling and tearing of the muscles up and down along the spine and put pressure on another part of the body in an attempt to balance everything out. This type of activity would create a knot - which could be felt in the neck or shoulder area. Headaches may be the result. A sore lower back first thing in the morning could also be the result. Muscle spasms and shooting, aching pains are nothing out of the norm when the back is being affected.

A healthy spine can be easily obtained by performing Pilates, and actually a whole lot easier than by means of a chiropractor - which can be very damaging. People who do Pilates use their own body weight to perform the movements. Stretches are done to ensure that no harm or injury is done to the body. The exercises and movements are very simple, so everyone ranging from younger to older can do these movements, no matter what type of pain they may be experiencing. Once one pressure point is released, the muscles around it will begin to relax. Stress and knots will leave the body and everything will return back to it\’s natural state and alignment.

So basically, it all comes down this one simple thing: All of the procedures, therapies, and medication in the world can not heal you. If you want real healing, you have to get to the source of the problem. Real healing and prevention starts with you. If you have the motivation to get better and yearn to live a life without pain, you will do whatever it takes. Now that you know what you can do to get rid of your pain, it is up to you whether or not you really want to make it happen.

RICH

Chris K asked:


It’s extremely PAINFUL!!!! What can you do about it? Well Pain management refers to all different methods to reduce, decrease, prevent or even stopping pain in every part of the body. Pain itself is a sensation or feeling of certain discomfort and unpleasantness.

Pain can be as a result of physical(bodily) injury or recurring(chronic) illnesses. When pain occurs, it hampers your day to day activities, it can also limit your mobility, dampens ones spirit and your health will start to take a beating and make you feel worse.

As the book relates, pain can be either chronic or acute. Chronic(recurring) pain can lasts for weeks or sometimes even months. These types of pain are common in severe back aches, cancer and even due to degeneration of the nerves in the body. Acute pain is very common and can be attributed to injuries to specific body parts like cuts and sprains which will heal and the hurting would then stop.

The nervous system monitors and controls almost every organ system through a series of positive and negative feedback loops. The Central Nervous System (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord which in turns have nerves which are connected through the peripheral nervous system. The nerves in any affected part of the body will send signals to the brain through many different receptors. Varying intensity of pain will signal your body to release the body’s natural pain killer(endorphins). If the pain still persists the part where the pain is coming from will suffer from inflammation(swelling). This will indicate to us we need stronger medication to subdue the pain.

Hence pain management can be a combination of various corrective/remedial procedures to fight the cause and relive such pain. This can consequently include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment and surgery. The most important aim and factor of pain management is to identify the primary cause of pain and thus remove it from your system altogether.

Disclaimer

The advice contained in this material might not be suitable for everyone. The author presents the information only as an overview of a complex and evolving subject, based on information from sources which he believes to be reliable and from his own personal experience, but he neither implies nor intends any guarantee of accuracy. This artcile must not be considered or used for any type of therapy. Always consult qualified professional about all medical, legal and other critical matters. All readers must carefully investigate all aspects of any decision before committing themselves.

The author, publisher and distributors particularly disclaim any liability, loss, or risk taken by individuals who directly or indirectly act on the information contained herein. The author believes the advice presented here is sound, but readers cannot hold the author, publisher and distributors responsible for either the actions they take or the results of those actions. Medical information obtained in this ebook is not intended as a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, you should consult a healthcare professional before trying different natural remedies for your pain.



TIM

babblin’brooke asked:


I need a job.
should I open up my own pain management clinic?
you can pay me to hit you over the head, that way you forget about why you came to see me to begin with.
good idea right?

LOWELL

sandeep asked:


Tramadol 50 mg tablets are very popular for the use of pain management for a variety of conditions. Of osteoarthritis in the dental pain, these pills are enough for their pain and their low risk of side effects and adverse reactions. Many people use tramadol on a daily basis, and it can be a source of comfort for those who want their lives, or those who have no other options for pain relief because they are too sensitive to conditions of narcotics. Pain is a fact of life for many people, and having the right tools to manage the pain that can make all the difference.

Tramadol 50 mg is usually sold in quantities that are more in line, depending on what you need. If you have a toothache and need relief until you can get to the dentist, you may be prescribed only 10 or 20 tablets. However, if you have a chronic disease that causes pain daily, you’ll probably be prescribed 180 tablets or more at a time, depending on the severity of pain, and the opinion of the doctor how much you need. Regardless of the size of your prescription, you can find online pharmacies that sell all kinds of tramadol. This way you can be sure to get what you need a more practical and effective.

Tramadol 50 mg is a standard dose and is usually prescribed to be taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. However, it is cautioned that users of this drug should not take more than 400mg per day, while, because large doses and excessive use can cause more serious side effects on the low side of the road. For those in need around the clock pain management, there is a prolonged release formulation of tramadol, which lasts longer, is a lower dose, and works in time rather than dispersing into the system at a time.

If you want to start taking 50 mg tramadol of your pain, you should discuss this option with your doctor. However, if you do not have time or money to get the doctor and only have a state, you can find online pharmacy you write a prescription for the drug as well as filling the prescription for you because they keep doctors on staff. If you need more than one doctor, you will be notified and instructed to consult your doctor. In general, for any kind of pain, tramadol is a good alternative to medication and lower the more severe that the drug can have side effects worse.



EMORY

Moriah Herbs asked:


Chronic Pain conditions are a growing problem in the United States. And while the debate still rages about whether or not chronic pain should be managed as a separate condition or just a symptom of another problem it is clear that pain management has become a booming segment of the healthcare industry.

 

Consequently, the use of pharmaceutical drugs for pain control has also reached an all time high. Drugs like Oxicontin, Vicodin and methadone, are front page news in causing America’s latest drug crisis, as a result, the use of cocaine and heroin have also reached levels not seen in this country in 30 years.

 

Due to the economic and scientific phenomena of the pharmaceutical revolution of the 20th century, thousands of years of knowledge were suddenly abandoned. Herbal medicine has safely and effectively treated pain for millennia, and is for safer than the synthesized, processed medications that today’s doctors seem to be all too willing to hand out like so much candy.

 

In the realm of alternative medicine, there are many forms of natural pain management that are in fact, the basis of where many of our oh-so-popular pharmaceutical drugs come from.  

 

Codeine and morphine are opium derivatives that may be effective but are also highly addictive, and even aspirin is a derivative of willow bark. Many other plants have been used in natural pain management since antiquity, such as lavender and chamomile for minor pain issues and these plants have the added benefit of also assisting with the emotional component of pain such as anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Plants like henbane and mandrake are so effective that they are even used very effectively during labor to ease the pain of childbirth.

 

Some wonderful and powerful herbal medicine can also be found in the spice cabinet. Spices like turmeric, and ginger are two of the most powerful anti- inflammatories on the planet. These plants are natural COX-2 inhibitors; they are the alternative medicine answer to the popular pharmaceutical drugs Celebrex and Vioxx. In the middle east, India and all over Asia where the diets are rich in spices like turmeric, and ginger and cayenne, where life is also far less convenient then our own, people have a far less occurrence of arthritis and chronic back pain, and continue to work very labor intensive jobs such as farming and agriculture work even into their 90’s.

 

There has always been an accepted school of thought in allopathic medicine that it is acceptable to injure one part of the body to heal another, thus even common over the counter NSAID pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can cause long term damage, acetaminophen to the liver and ibuprofen to the kidneys, in natural pain management many plants, roots, barks, and other herbs not only antistetic in nature but they are also anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic as well, and herbal medicine is gentler on the system and is more synergistic with the body allowing for greater absorption of the necessary constitutes.

 

So you see that alternative medicine goes beyond the typically accepted ideal of treating just the symptoms and goes farther to treat many of the underlying causes as well as some of the other components involved in chronic pain conditions.

 



ISAIAH

jeff g asked:


Can anyone recommend a good pain management Dr in Washington state (King or Snohomish Counties)?
I get chronic Migraines and take oxycontin 40mg 4 times a day. I want to switch doctor because I am moving near these counties. what is the name of your doctor? what kind of pain do you have ? and what are you prescribed for it?

NELSON