Managing Pain
A pain management plan helps you find ways to control pain with side effects you can live with.
Physical Treatments
Physical treatments can be an important part of managing chronic pain. You may find that combining more than one treatment helps the most.
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Heat or cold: This can help with arthritis, sore muscles, and other aches
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Hydrotherapy: It uses flowing water to relax muscles
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Massage: Involves rubbing the soft tissues of the body to ease tension and pain
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This treatment uses a gentle electric current applied to the skin for pain relief
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Acupuncture: A form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses very thin needles inserted into certain points of the body. Learn more about acupuncture.
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Physical therapy: This treatment uses stretches and exercises to reduce pain and help you move better. Learn more about physical therapy.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help with your pain. If you aren't taking a prescription medicine, you may be able to take an over-the-counter one.
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Non-opioids: These are things like acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil.
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Opioids: Morphine, codeine, and oxycodone are some examples.
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Other medicines: Antidepressants and anti-seizure medicines may be used. These medicines seem to change the way your brain senses pain. Another option may be a nerve block injection.
Learn more about medication.
Chronic Pain
When pain lasts longer than 3 months, it is called chronic pain. Chronic pain is more common in older adults, but it's not a normal part of aging. Older adults are more likely to have long-term medical problems, such as diabetes or arthritis, which can lead to ongoing pain.
Chronic pain can't always be prevented, but staying in good physical and mental health may be the best way to prevent it or help you cope with it.
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Treat your health problems early, including mental health conditions; depression can make pain worse.
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Get enough sleep every night and learn to alternate activity with rest throughout each day
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Exercise
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Eat a balanced diet
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Try to reduce stress in your life
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Get help for your pain early. If your doctor prescribes opioids for acute pain, take them for the shortest amount of time possible.