Pain Management Treatment in Milwaukee, WI
Acute or chronic pain can be debilitating, and it can lead to a variety of other issues including increased blood pressure, weight gain due to inactivity, and loss of flexibility.
Types of Pain
Pain can be classified into different types, including:
Nociceptive pain–inflammation, bruises, sprains, burns, and fractures are examples of this type of pain.
Neuropathic pain–sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, and nerve or nervous system damage are examples of this type of pain.
Mixed pain, combining both types listed above–migraines and myofascial pain are examples of this type of pain.
Pain relief options for mild pain
Depending on the cause of pain, there are several easy home remedies you can try, including:
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medication
- Applying ice or moist heat to the area several times daily
- Doing simple, gentle stretches several times daily
- Resting and allowing the area to heal
When You Need To See a Doctor
You should visit your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Pain that is increasing
- Numbness or weakness in your extremities
- Pain that doesn’t resolve with home treatments
- Pain that interferes with your daily activities and quality of life
What Happens When You Visit Your Doctor
Your doctor will perform a complete physical examination, including muscle strength, reflexes, and other factors. A complete medical history will be recorded including signs and symptoms, and any illnesses, diseases, or medications you take.
Your doctor may also recommend additional testing, including:
Imaging– x-rays, MRI, CT scan, or PET scan to determine if you have any muscle, tendon, or ligament damage
Electromyography or EMG–to evaluate the electrical signals when your muscles are at rest and when they are working
Nerve conduction study–to evaluate how efficiently the electrical signals are traveling down the nerve pathways
Pain Management Options
There are several options to help reduce, eliminate, or manage pain. Depending on the cause of pain, these management techniques can include:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Thermal therapies and therapeutic massage
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Prescription anti-inflammatory or pain medication
Surgery may also be recommended to relieve pain caused by nerve compression or other issues. Your doctor can discuss this option with you.
To learn more about pain management options and how your physician can help you manage back and neck pain, call the doctors at Best Care. You can reach them in either of their office location in Milwaukee, WI, by calling (414) 282-5810, so call now.