Finding Solutions to Pain

Pain is complex; it is subjective, varying in intensity from one individual to another, it is caused by known and unknown conditions, and it can be treated using a wide array of tools. Pain is experienced by each of us and is often an indication that something is wrong. Feelings of pain range from mild and occasional to severe and constant.

A common beginning to the treatment of pain is often determining if it is acute or chronic. Acute pain begins suddenly and is usually sharp in quality. It serves as a warning of disease or a threat to the body. Causes of acute pain include surgery, broken bones, dental work, burns or cuts, and labor and childbirth.

Chronic pain persists despite the fact that an injury has healed. Pain signals remain active in the nervous system for weeks, months or years. Physical effects include tense muscles, limited mobility, a lack of energy, and changes in appetite. Emotional effects include depression, anger, anxiety, and fear of re-injury. Examples of chronic pain are headache, low back pain, arthritis pain, and pain resulting from damage to nerves.

Tests used to diagnose the cause of pain may include CT or CAT scan, MRI, myelograms (x-ray visualization of the spinal cord), bone scans and ultrasound imaging.

Pain is treated in a variety of ways depending upon its severity. Treatment options include:

• Drug treatments, both prescription and over-the-counter
• Nerve blocks (the blocking of a group of nerves with local anesthetics)
• Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, relaxation and biofeedback
• Electrical stimulation
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Psychological counseling
• Behavior modification

Fibromyalgia is a condition causing widespread pain and tenderness for at least three months. Diagnostic tests such as x-rays or blood tests cannot detect fibromyalgia. Its symptoms may overlap with the symptoms of another condition. Fibromyalgia can be difficult for health care professionals to diagnose. According to the American College of Rheumatology, a person may have fibromyalgia in the presence of chronic widespread pain that affects the right and left sides of the body above and below the waist, and pain in at least 11 of 18 possible tender points when light pressure is applied.

Julie S. Franklin, MD is the Director of the Acute Pain Medicine Program at New London Hospital. She is certified by the American Boards of Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology and Family Medicine. Dr. Franklin completed a Fellowship in Pain Management at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH. Speak with your primary provider if you feel you may benefit from a pain consultation with Dr. Franklin, whose New London office may be contacted at 526-5058.

Click here to read about Julie Franklin, MD.

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