I Can Handle the Pain! Part II

Now that we’ve discussed the autonomic (aka subconscious) origins of pain and the benefits of taking action to resolve it (instead of muscling through) in Part I we can dive into the different treatment options available. All therapies designed to promote health and optimal function work with the bodymind’s innate healing systems. Obviously, there will be some bias in terms of which options I think are the best (as defined as being the most effective), but I am striving to present a brief overview of as many courses of treatment as I can in a reasonable article length. Below the therapies are divided into two categories: fast relief and long term solutions.

Quick Fixes

You’re in pain and you need help now!

Types

• Medication – analgesics, muscle relaxers, anti-depressants, etc.

• Surgery – fusions, ectomies, replacements, etc.

Pros

1. Near instant results! Your body will know within a week (maybe a bit longer if you are healing from a surgery) if the treatment is effective. In the case of medication, you are able to move through alternatives if the first doesn't offer relief to find a drug that works best for you.

Cons

1. Between premiums, deductibles, copays, and anything that insurance doesn’t cover, these therapies can mean high costs especially over longer periods of time.

2. Addiction to and dependence on medication

3. Surgery success rate can be shoddy and require follow up surgeries.

4. Surgery is invasive, creating trauma in the body, and is not garanteed to have the desired effect or any effect at all on your pain.

5. Symptoms may return over time as tolerance to medication is built or as complications from scar tissue arise.

6. Side effects and complications from taking medications or undergoing surgery are always a possibility even when you are the perfect patient.

Process

You may or may not feel immediate results, but often you’ll need multiple sessions to maintain effects and create lasting change.

Types

• Chiropractic – addresses the alignment of the skeleton and nerve impingements caused by misalignments

• Physical and Occupational Therapy – rehabilitation focused on increasing mobility, function, and effortlessness of movement

• Massage Therapy – addresses imbalances (over or under tone) in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia

• Shadow Work and other Energy Work - addresses the bodymind's blueprint and the energetic blockages that can interfere with physical function

• Other Alternative Therapies – Psychotherapy, Acupuncture, Yoga, Vibration Therapy, Spiritual practices, etc.

• Lifestyle Changes – Physical fitness, meditation, nutrition, stress management, etc.

Pros

1. Natural therapies teach you tools that you can integrate into your life, boosting confidence in your body’s abilities and empowering you to embrace that confidence.

2. Often you can share these tools with others you know who need help with pain relief.

3. Because process-based therapies support you in building new, healthy habits the results are long lasting and preventative, warding off future pain.

4. There is very low to no risk of side effects or complications with natural, holistic approaches. (Your provider will discuss what if any cautions may exist.)

5. Obsolescence is the goal for these types of therapies. You as the client are being taught sustainable, healthy practices so you do not need to see the practitioner in perpetuity.

Cons

1. Because natural therapies require more time and patience, it can require juggling your schedule as well as greater personal effort to stick to routines and treatment plans.

2. Process-based therapies often require more frequent sessions in the beginning meaning larger upfront costs.

What works for one person may not be the most effective treatment for another. Talk with your healthcare provider or therapist to discuss which course or courses of action will work best for your body. Hopefully this list gives you an idea of where you can start. Comment below and let me know what has worked best for you to resolve you pain! Questions are also welcome or you can speak to me directly at +1 (856) 857-7535.