A Compelling Look at Pain Relief

If your back aches when you're loading groceries in the car or your hands cramp up with arthritis when you sit down at the computer, you're not alone. Although the nature, cause, and complaints vary, over one-half of Americans experience chronic or recurrent pain, a recent survey conducted by the Stanford University Medical Center found.

Pain is your brain's signal that there is trouble a brew in your body, akin to the 'Check Engine' light in your car ? a warning mechanism prompting you to take care of a situation that will otherwise worsen. And while its advantages are obvious in situations of acute pain ? like when you accidentally cut your finger chopping vegetables or twist your ankle playing soccer, sufferers of chronic pain cannot easily remedy the source of their ailment. The pain takes a toll on their quality of life - impairing mood, sleep, and the ability to perform enjoyable activities like sports and necessary tasks at work. It is hardly surprising, then, that Americans spend $1 out of every $7 dollars they earn seeking pain relief.

Pain relief treatments are as varied as the types of pain we suffer from, the most popular being prescription medicines and over-the-counter treatments. Other commonly used therapies include massage, chiropractic visits, time-tested home remedies and simple bed rest. Many also find that light exercise and stretching help alleviate their pain.

As physicians, researchers, and the public have become increasingly interested in exploring the link between mind and body, yoga, meditation and even laughing clinics - where patients, led by a "laughing coach", attempt to giggle, snort, and chortle their way to pain relief ? have seen a corresponding upsurge in popularity. These treatments, along with acupuncture and homeopathic and herbal remedies, are also beginning to gain credibility within the medical community, as medical study findings seem to validate their beneficial effect on those suffering from pain.

At the other end of the spectrum, surgery still remains an appealing option for some, hoping that drastic measures will result in dramatic pain relief.

With all these treatments, it's a wonder we're not all skipping down the street, whistling a happy tune, right? The thing is, for some reason, these treatments often aren't having the effect those who tried them had hoped. While the majority of respondents in the Stanford survey cited above report that the various therapies they have tried work at least "somewhat well", few say any treatment has worked "very well".

Physicians and many patients note that the most effective treatment is a combination of various remedies, the exact mixture varying from person to person. Although it can be frustrating to continually alter and tweak your course of treatment, you must remember that pain relief is more often the result of a process than a magic pill.

Pain Relief Info provides detailed information on arthritis, back, joint, lower back, natural, chronic, neck, sciatica, knee, fibromyalgia, and muscle pain relief. Pain Relief Info is the sister site of Acid Reflux Web.

---

An Introduction to Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or... Read More

Using Blood Pressure Monitors To Maintain Your Health

Many people today realize the importance of keeping their blood... Read More

Over The Counter Pain Medication: How To Choose The Right Drugs

With the recent front-page news about the possible hazards of... Read More

Meridia Lawyer: Meridia Diet Pill Side Effects

Following the recall of Fen-Phen and Redux in 1999 (two... Read More

Prescription Drugs from International Pharmacies Save Elderly Money

As pointed out by *Jack Shapiro, an internationally-known healthcare marketing... Read More

Traditional Treatments for Back Pain... Which Ones Work and Which Ones Don?t?

When Dorothy followed the yellow brick road, she was told... Read More

Common Drugs and Their Uses

The five drugs that are discussed in this article are... Read More

Pain in the Butt. How to Deal with Hemorrhoids?

This is very sensitive area of your body. Too private.... Read More

The Last Line of Defense Against Medication Errors: What You Need to Know to Keep your Family Safe

This is a true story.Yesterday, I picked up a new... Read More

Lamisil Side Effects Lawyer: Lamisil Tablet

While the recent Lamisil commercial featuring Digger, a disgusting cartoon... Read More

The Lower Cost Prescription Drug Alternative

Today in the United States, there are hundreds of thousands... Read More

4 Reasons to Feel Safe Submitting an Electronic Medical Claim

Electronic Medical ClaimFor years, both practices and patients have had... Read More

Thalidomide

Thalidomide is responsible for causing more than 10,000 children to... Read More

Can You Always Trust Your Dentists Recommendations?

Can you always trust your dentists' recommendations? Think for yourself... Read More

Flatfeet in Children: When Are They A Problem?

There are high arch feet and low arch feet and... Read More

Lumbar Puncture: This (Really) Is Spinal Tap

I couldn't resist the title's corny riff on the name... Read More

Medical Malpractice Suits: Death By Medicine

A recent report has found that Americans are more frightened... Read More

Hypothermia - The Cold Facts

If you ever go to cold countries, you should undoubtedly... Read More

Talking Money with Your Doctor: Drugs and Tests for Less

Would you buy groceries without knowing their prices? I suspect... Read More

Over The Counter Drugs: How To Safely Choose The Right Medication

What Medication Can Cure Me?1. Am I expecting a cure?... Read More

Melatonin, Sleep Enhancement, and ADHD

Overview Melatonin is a natural hormone, which is produced and... Read More

Why R.I.C.E.?

What is R.I.C.E. and why do you need it? One... Read More

Buy Electric Wheelchairs Online

Electric wheelchairs mobility for virtually any type of disability.Innovations have... Read More

Prescription Drug Side Effects: Treating From The Outside Or The Inside?

Throughout time there have always been two opposing points of... Read More

Vioxx and Bextra Lawsuits Could Tie Up Courts for Years

In September, 2004, pharmaceutical giant Merck voluntarily withdrew its painkilling... Read More