Tips for Mastering Acute Pain

I’ve found it’s most important to remember that pain can be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It’s also important to remember that pain varies from person to person. 

Non-pharmacological Treatments

I strongly advocate for the integration of non-pharmacological treatments alongside medication for optimal acute pain management. 

These include: 

• Physical therapy. I often collaborate with physical therapists to add exercise, stretching, and other modalities like heat and cold therapy, which can help reduce your pain and improve your mobility. 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I frequently recommend CBT to help patients develop coping strategies for managing acute pain by addressing negative thought patterns and promoting positive behaviors. 
• Relaxation techniques. Practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can be powerful adjuncts to pharmacological treatments by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which may alleviate your acute pain. 
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). I sometimes suggest TENS units, which deliver mild electrical currents to your skin. They can help block your pain signals and provide relief.

Multimodal Approach 

In my practice, I favor a multimodal approach for acute pain management. This involves combining different pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to achieve optimal pain relief while minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with any single treatment type.

Acute Pain Management in Specific Situations

The approach to managing your acute pain may vary depending on your specific situation or condition. For example: 

• Postoperative pain. After surgery, I typically recommend a combination of analgesics, regional anesthesia (e.g., epidural or nerve blocks), and non-pharmacological techniques like positioning and ice packs to manage acute pain. 
• Acute musculoskeletal pain. For acute pain related to injuries or conditions affecting your muscles, bones, and joints, I often prescribe NSAIDs, physical therapy, and modalities like heat and cold therapy. 
• Acute neuropathic pain. In cases of acute neuropathic pain (e.g., caused by nerve damage or compression), I may incorporate certain anticonvulsants or antidepressants into the treatment plan, in addition to other analgesics.

Patient Education and Self-Management

By working closely with your health care professionals and using a multimodal approach, you can achieve optimal pain relief and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, open communication with your  team and active participation in your care plan are essential for your successful acute pain management.