This is a question asked by many of our patients here at CPT. Be it from a trauma, injury, or just wear and tear over time, there are 5 common options to choose from once pain sets in. My goal is to explain the pros and cons for each of these 5 options.
Option 1: Medication
This is a very common first step for patients when they begin to experience pain. There are several different types of medications a patient can take. There are anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), steroids (these are most commonly provided by a doctor), or analgesics (tylenol). Medication can be a great route for patients that are either experiencing new or acute pain, or those who experience more chronic inflammation. These medications can be helpful in reducing swelling/edema, decreasing pain, and may lead to short term improvements in mobility. However, there are cons to taking medication for longer periods of time. Some medications can have negative long term effects on your kidneys, liver, and in severe cases, can lead to ulcers and bleeding. If choosing the medication option, always discuss this with your prescribing doctor and only ever take them as directed.
Option 2: Therapy
Therapy is another very common path for patients to explore when experiencing pain. Because it is a more conservative option, doctors and surgeons will often refer patients to physical therapy prior to making decisions about how to move forward. Physical therapy is a great option as we can assess muscle imbalances, weaknesses, and improper motor patterns. Therapists are then able to work with you to improve your strength, coordination, stability, endurance, and whatever else you need, in order to help decrease your pain and improve your functional mobility. The biggest cons to physical therapy are that it can be more expensive compared to medications (depending on the insurance plan you have) and it is not a 100% guarantee that therapy will fully resolve your pain.
Option 3: Injections
The third option is talking with a doctor about the potential use of injections. These injections often include steroids and other medications that are inserted directly into the problem area, be it in your low back, knees, hips, wherever. This can be a viable option as the steroids can be directed to specific areas of inflammation and pain, whereas normal medications are more generalized in their treatment. On the other hand, injections can be harmful if taken for too long. Prolonged use of steroids has been linked to a decrease in bone and muscle tissue health. Some patients also find that these injections begin to have decreasing effectiveness after several doses.
Option 4: Surgery
The fourth option you may look into would be surgery. This is a good option for injuries that are unable to heal naturally on their own (fractures, soft tissue injuries, etc.) or long term degeneration of bones, cartilage, or connective tissues. Sometimes, surgical interventions are unavoidable and can be a better solution than attempting to let nature run its course. The biggest cons from surgery are increased healing time, increased risk for complications, and increased expenses from doctor/hospital bills.
Option 5: Live With It
This is the most uncommon, and least recommended, option when it comes to managing your pain. The pro for this option is that it’s free, however the cons significantly outweigh the pros on this option. Nobody deserves to live in pain and not feel there is anything they can do about it. Living with high pain levels can lead to decreased quality of life, increased risk for diseases, and an overall decreased life expectancy.
When it comes to pain, there is always a path you can take. However, out of all these options, there is only one option that can be used as preventative care, and that’s physical therapy! Being proactive about your health and fitness through regular check-ins with your primary care physician, as well as starting good habits and forming proper body mechanics with therapy, can help you live a longer, healthier, happier, and more independent life.
So, stop by Complete Physical Therapy so we can help you live your most efficient, pain free life!
