Narinder Grewal MD On Pain Treatment Options

(Newswire.net — May 31, 2016) Valencia, CA –The International Association defines pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience. It can be classified into different categories, and can vary greatly from one person to another. It may be described as sharp, mild, severe or dull. Sometimes it is experienced for a very brief moment and in other times it can last for many years.

Pain can be extremely debilitating for people who suffer from it for a long time, which is why Narinder Grewal MD, an experienced anesthesiologist who has been treating lower back and cervical conditions for decades, recommends sufferers to see their doctor to determine the root cause of the discomfort. This would allow them to figure out which pain management option would be the most suitable for their condition.

According to Dr. Grewal, there are several pain management options that a patient can choose from. Medications are the most common and there are plenty of them that are prescribed for ailments. Some of them include Acetaminophen (Tylenol); Antidepressants, which can alleviate discomfort and improve sleep; anti-seizure medications, which can treat ailments related to never injury; NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen; and steroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone. Dr. Grewal notes, however, that while some people take opioids and benzodiazepines for relief, they may not be the best option.

Therapy can be an effective option for those who experience emotional discomfort along with physical suffering. Physical therapy can slowly build a patient’s tolerance while reducing their discomfort. A good physical therapist can create the perfect exercise regimen for a patient. And since the therapist knows exactly what to do, the patient will not end up overdoing it or quitting the program because it hurts. Patients may also undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy, which will allow them to have a better understanding of where pain is coming from, and determine what can be done about it. Dr. Grewal says that this is basically about understanding how pain affects the patients’ life and what it means for them.

Apart from medications and therapy, there are other options that can help sufferers deal with emotional and physical discomfort. They include meditation; manipulation and massage; relaxation techniques; heat and cold therapy; biofeedback, which teaches control over temperature, muscle tension and heart rate; and visual imagery, which can be as simple as visualizing a peaceful scene.

Dr. Grewal suggests that patients seek help once pain starts affecting their quality of life. The sooner the treatment starts, the sooner the patient will be content.