According to a 2019 National Health Interview Survey, more than 20 percent of Americans experience chronic pain. Living with chronic pain can put unwanted stress and challenges into your life, especially if you’ve tried drug treatments without success. 

Fortunately, drug treatments, such as opioids, are not the only treatment options available for those living with chronic pain. If drugs and medications provide relief, you may want to consider non-drug treatment options for your chronic pain.

Is my pain chronic?

Chronic pain is anything that lasts for at least three months and typically affects you most days. Some people experience mild chronic pain, while others have pain so extreme it interferes with their ability to complete basic tasks. 

What are my non-drug treatment options for chronic pain?

There could be various reasons why drug pain relief isn’t an option for someone, but that doesn’t mean they have to suffer through their chronic pain. Two common non-drug treatments for chronic pain include injection therapy and implantable neurostimulators. 

Injection Therapy

Injection therapy is when a doctor injects medication, like corticosteroids or anesthetics, into the affected areas to relieve the pain. Typically, after an injection, a patient may experience temporary tenderness or slight inflammation at the injection site. Additional side effects may include temporary blood sugar increase, diarrhea, or nausea. 

Implantable Neurostimulators 

Implantable neurostimulators are small devices that a doctor will insert near the spine. They relieve pain by interfering with pain signals from the spinal cord to the brain. Neurostimulators target the specific area of pain, and they don’t have to be a permanent procedure. A doctor can remove the device if it’s not working for you or if you find a better treatment option. 

Am I a good candidate for non-drug treatment?

Non-drug treatment for chronic pain is an option for anyone with chronic pain. It’s especially worth considering if you’ve tried drug treatment without the desired results. It’s also a great option for anyone who has experienced substance abuse or is uncomfortable with opioid pain medications. 

Chronic pain relief with Mocek Spine 

No one should have to live with chronic pain. At Mocek Spine Clinic, we offer advanced spine care solutions, including drug and non-drug treatment options, to ease your chronic pain. Our goal is to provide compassionate medical care to improve the well-being of our patients. 

If you’re ready to return to a pain-free life, schedule an appointment today.