Medically reviewed by Nivedita Jerath | MD, MS, Harvard University | Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine - Orlando, Florida on March 13th, 2024.
Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to help manage and alleviate chronic pain. From over-the-counter and prescription medications to physical therapy and alternative therapies, finding the right combination of treatments can provide significant relief.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can help with mild pain. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, including:
Muscle relaxants
Anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam)
Antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine)
Prescription NSAIDs (e.g., celecoxib)
Opioids (e.g., codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone)
Topical pain relievers, such as creams, lotions, or sprays, can be applied directly to the skin to relieve pain and inflammation from sore muscles and arthritis.
Physical therapy can help improve movement and function impaired by an injury or disability. A physical therapist may use techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to alleviate pain. Regular exercise, such as swimming, biking, walking, rowing, and yoga, can also help reduce pain in the long term by improving muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.
For patients with severe chronic pain who haven't found relief through other treatments, advanced procedures may be considered:
Spinal Cord Stimulator: A small device implanted under the skin that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. This treatment can be particularly effective for chronic back pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and certain types of neuropathic pain.
Mind-body therapies, such as relaxation techniques, meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback, and hypnosis, can help manage pain by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. These techniques focus on the mind's ability to affect the body's functions and symptoms.
Some people find relief from chronic pain through alternative therapies, such as:
Chiropractic treatment
Massage therapy
Therapeutic touch and reiki healing
Herbal remedies (e.g., white willow bark, devil's claw, ginger, turmeric)
Dietary supplements (e.g., fish oils, SAMe, alpha lipoic acid)
Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that has shown promise in treating certain types of chronic pain, particularly diabetic neuropathy and other nerve-related pain conditions.
While these therapies may provide relief for some people, more research is needed to determine their effectiveness in treating chronic pain.
For those who have tried various treatments but still suffer from debilitating pain, pain clinics may be an option. These specialized care centers employ a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians, psychologists, and physical therapists, to help patients manage their pain and improve their quality of life.
Chronic pain is a complex condition that often requires a combination of treatments to effectively manage symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Remember, it may take some trial and error to find the right combination of therapies that work best for you.
For more information on chronic pain management, visit The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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