Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Some causes of neuropathic pain include:
There are a variety of methods to treat chronic pain, which are dependant on the type of pain experienced. Read more: Pain Management ArticleMultimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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16 Surprising Headache Triggers and Tips for Pain Relief
Do you have frequent headaches? Learn the most common headache triggers for tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches...
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Pain-Relief Tips for Bumps, Bruises, Sprains, and Strains in Pictures
View this First Aid slideshow on Care and Pain Relief. See how to get pain relief if you've bumped your head, sprained your...
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Pain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain
What's causing your pain? Learn the common causes of lower back pain, as well as pain in the knee, stomach, kidney, shoulder,...
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Lower Back Pain: Symptoms, Stretches, Exercise for Pain Relief
Do you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis....
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Pain Management: 15 Easy Ways to Reduce Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including arthritis, headaches, and others. Comprehensive chronic pain...
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Chronic Pain Syndrome: Treatment and Management for CPS
Do you suffer from excruciating pain? What is chronic pain syndrome (CPS)? See causes, symptoms and treatment options, including...
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercises: Joint-Friendly Workouts
Regular exercise boosts fitness and helps reverse joint stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). WebMD demonstrates...
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Pain Quiz: Test Your IQ of Pain
Is pain all in the brain? Take the Pain Quiz to learn everything you've ever wanted to know about the unpleasant sensation we...
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Low Back Pain: 11 Stretches & Exercises for Relief
One of the best low back pain treatments is exercise. Whether your pain is in the lower left or lower right back, learn more...
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Back Pain: 16 Back Pain Truths and Myths
Back pain conditions are very common. Learn the causes of upper and lower back pain. Find the truth and get the facts behind back...
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Nerve Pain: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Learn about nerve pain symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Discover medications and natural remedies to relieve nerve pain.
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Migraine or Tension Headache? Symptoms, Triggers, Treatments
What does a migraine headache feel like compared to a tension headache? Learn to spot migraine symptoms early, how to identify...
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Picture of Fibromyalgia
A syndrome characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints without detectable...
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Pain Management: Signs Your Muscle Pain Is Something Else
Could your achy muscles be a sign of more than a tough workout? Learn when a twinge might warrant a visit to the doctor's office.
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Body Pain: What Does It Mean When Your Whole Body Aches?
Body aches are a symptom of the flu, arthritis, autoimmune disease, infections like Lyme disease, and other conditions. Body pain...
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Surgery, and Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness may need treatment. Carpal tunnel surgery is reserved...
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What Is Fibromyalgia (Fibro)? Symptoms, Causes, Helpful Treatments
What is fibromyalgia? Learn the possible causes of fibro, along with standard and alternative treatments for this chronic...
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Osteoarthritis: 15 Tips to Improve Daily Living With OA
Have arthritis in the knee? Osteoarthritis joint pain can make it hard to carry out activities of daily living. Cartilage...
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How Does Acupuncture Work? Benefits, Needles, Definition
What is acupuncture? How does acupuncture work? Does acupuncture hurt? Learn various acupuncture points, the definition of...
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Pain Management: All About CBD Oil
Cannabidiol oil: It's made from marijuana and everyone seems to be talking about it. But what is it, and what does it really do?
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Pain Management: Why Does My Calf Muscle Hurt?
There's a group of muscles on the back of each lower leg that doctors call "calf muscles." They play a key role in helping you...
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Tips for Healthy Joints: Exercise, Nutrition, & More
Dealing with joint pain and arthritis? Learn why weight matters--and why NOT to stretch before exercise. See these solutions for...
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Pain Management: Knee Pain Dos and Don'ts
Your knees go through a lot in the course of a day, and sometimes they can run into trouble. Here are a few things you can do...
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Pain Management: All About Your Knees
They do their job so well that you might take them for granted. Learn how they're put together, what can go wrong with them, and...
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Pain Management: One-Move Fixes for Pain and Stress
A quick stretch, yoga pose, or on-the-spot exercise can help fix sudden aches from head to toe. Learn how to quash pain with just...
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Pain Management: Visual Guide to Frozen Shoulder
It's got nothing to do with cold weather. It means your shoulder is jammed up. WebMD guides you through the causes of frozen...
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Fibromyalgia Relief: Treatments and Tips to Ease Pain and Other Symptoms
What is fibromyalgia? Learn about fibromyalgia symptoms such as trigger points (also called tender points), learn what causes...
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Healthy Living: How to Listen to Your Body
You've probably heard your body trying to tell you something after a session at the gym, but what was it? WebMD helps you sort...
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Fun With Kids? Don't Let Arthritis Stop You
You can still have lots of fun with children despite arthritis. Our experts uncover ways to spend time with your kids or...
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Pain Management: Why Knees Hurt
Your knees have lots of parts, and you use them a lot, so there's plenty that could go wrong. WebMD explains common things that...
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What Are the 7 Pains You Should Never Ignore?
What to know about ignoring pains? Should you go to the doctor for every pain you have? Here are some pains to never ignore.
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Active Living with Osteoarthritis
Check out this slideshow on Active Living From Day to Night with Osteoarthritis. Even with arthritis you can keep your active...
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Pain Management: Ergonomic Tips for a Home Office
Are you working at home? Find out how to set up a workspace to prevent stiffness, protect your muscles and joints, and avoid...
SLIDESHOW
Pain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain See SlideshowRelated Disease Conditions
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Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include: ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease. ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure cap: Capsule. CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea. DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis. DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes HA: Headache IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis JT: Joint N/V: Nausea or vomiting. p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os. q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily. RA: Rheumatoid arthritis SOB: Shortness of breath. T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
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Why Is My Whole Body Aching?
Learn the reasons you have whole body aches and what you can do to relieve your whole body aching symptoms. Learn what medical treatments can help ease your body aches and speed up your recovery.
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Kidney Pain
Kidney pain has a variety of causes and symptoms. Infection, injury, trauma, bleeding disorders, kidney stones, and less common conditions may lead to kidney pain. Symptoms associated with kidney pain may include fever, vomiting, nausea, flank pain, and painful urination. Treatment of kidney pain depends on the cause of the pain.
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What Causes Pain on the Left Side Above the Hip?
There are various reasons you may be having pain on your left side above the hip. Learn more about the possible causes of your condition. What to know about hip tendonitis: Learn how to recognize what tendonitis feels like in the hip.
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Dry Socket
A dry socket is a potential complication that can occur when a blood clot in the gums becomes dislodged after a tooth extraction. Dry socket signs and symptoms include pain, mouth odor, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. A dentist may treat a dry socket with analgesic dressing. Over-the-counter pain medications can also relieve symptoms. A dry socket usually heals within 7 days. Avoiding smoking, drinking with a straw, and vigorous rinsing and spitting may help prevent the formation of dry socket.
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Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the functioning of the nerves outside of the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness, weakness, burning pain (especially at night), and loss of reflexes. Possible causes may include carpel tunnel syndrome, shingles, vitamin or nutritional deficiencies, and illnesses like diabetes, syphilis, AIDS, and kidney failure. Peripheral neuropathy is diagnosed with exams and tests. Treatment for the condition depends on the cause. Usually, the prognosis for peripheral neuropathy is good if the cause can be successfully treated or prevented.
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What Is the Safest Anti-Inflammatory to Take?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are some of the most commonly used medicines available. Experts say that taking NSAIDs for a short time at the lowest effective dose is generally safe.
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Broken Toe
A broken toe is one of the most common fractures among individuals. There are many causes of a broken toe, whether it is the big toe, middle toes, or little toe (pinky). Common symptoms and signs of a broken toe include pain, swelling, stiffness, and bruising. A broken toe can be treated with buddy taping the toe. There are instances where a doctor should be consulted for a broken toe.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis or MS is an autoimmune disorder in which brain and spinal cord nerve cells become demyelinated. This damage results in symptoms that may include numbness, weakness, vertigo, paralysis, and involuntary muscle contractions. Different forms of MS can follow variable courses from relatively benign to life-threatening. MS is treated with disease-modifying therapies. Some MS symptoms can be treated with medications.
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Headache
Headaches can be divided into two categories: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are considered primary headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by disease. Headache symptoms vary with the headache type. Over-the-counter pain relievers provide short-term relief for most headaches.
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Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiates from the low back to behind the thigh to below the knee. Disc herniation is usually the cause of sciatica. Medication to alleviate pain, physical therapy, and bed rest are treatments for sciatica.
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Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain)
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis, and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.
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Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area due to pressure on a nerve. Carpal tunnel and sciatica are two examples of conditions caused by a pinched nerve. A pinched nerve is diagnosed by taking a patient history and performing a physical examination. Electromyography may be performed. Treatment for a pinched nerve depends on the underlying cause.
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Toothache
A toothache is pain on or around a tooth. It may have a variety of causes, including a cavity, abscess, or even sinusitis. Toothache symptoms include pain, headache, earache, bad taste in the mouth, and gum swelling. Dental X-rays and other tests performed by a dentist are used to diagnose the cause of a toothache. Toothache treatment depends on the underlying cause. Taking proper care of the teeth and gums can help prevent toothache.
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Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and pseudogout.
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Migraine Headache
Migraine headache is a type of headache associated with a sensitivity to light, smells, or sounds, eye pain, severe pounding on one side of the head, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. The exact cause of migraine headaches is not known. Triggers for migraine headaches include certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, strong stimuli (loud noises), and oversleeping. Treatment guidelines for migraines include medicine, pain management, diet changes, avoiding foods that trigger migraines, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly. Prevention of migraine triggers include getting regular exercise, drinking water daily, reducing stress, and avoiding trigger foods.
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What Gets Rid of Headaches Quickly?
Headaches are a common complaint for many people. There are many types of headaches such as migraine, tension, cluster, and the general run of the mill headache. These 17 natural home remedies -- for example, exercise, meditation, hydration, yoga, caffeine, essential oils such as lavender and butterbur, herbs, and supplements like magnesium -- can soothe and relieve some headaches.
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Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain
Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include osteoarthritis, abnormal walking pattern, and disorders that can cause SI joint inflammation including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Treatment includes oral medications, cortisone injections, and surgery.
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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points. Stress reduction, exercise, and medication are the standard treatments for fibromyalgia.
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Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema.
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Shoulder and Neck Pain
Shoulder and neck pain may be caused by bursitis, a pinched nerve, whiplash, tendinitis, a herniated disc, or a rotator cuff injury. Symptoms also include weakness, numbness, coolness, color changes, swelling, and deformity. Treatment at home may incorporate resting, icing, and elevating the injury. A doctor may prescribe pain medications and immobilize the injury.
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IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea)
IBS-D or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea refers to IBS with diarrhea. Symptoms of IBS-D include intestinal gas (flatulence), loose stools, frequent stools, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. New non-FDA approved IBS tests may help diagnose IBS and IBS-D. Treatment of IBS-D is geared to toward managing symptoms with diet, medication, and lifestyle changes.
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Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth is an infection within a tooth that has spread to the root. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth may include pain, swelling, tenderness, redness, and the presence of a pus-filled lesion on the gum. A dental professional diagnoses an abscessed tooth and dental X-rays may be required. An abscessed tooth is treated with a root canal.
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Lumbar Lordosis
Lumbar lordosis or "swayback," lower back curvature), in children, adults, and women who are pregnant is an abnormal posture with a low back curve. Symptoms of lumbar lordosis in include lower back pain and discomfort, difficulty in moving certain directions due to back pain, and a large gap or arch between the lower back and a flat surface when you lay down. Common causes of lumbar lordosis in children, adults, and during pregnancy include obesity, kyphosis, bad posture, genetics, and other disorders of the spine. Treatment for lumbar lordosis include exercise, weight loss, surgery, and pain medication. Lumbar lordosis can be reversed and cured; however, it depends on how severe the symptoms are. Lumbar lordosis treatments may help reduce pain and other symptoms or Mild lordosis in children may be cured without treatment, while severe lumbar lordosis needs surgery to fix. Lumbar lordosis can be reversed "cured" or go back to normal or near normal.
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Occipital Neuralgia (Headache)
Occipital neuralgia is a type of headache that involves inflammation or irritation of occipital nerves. Signs and symptoms include a stabbing and throbbing head pain, and an aching pain in the upper back of the head and neck. Potential causes include infection, irritation, or trauma of the occipital nerves. This type of headache is diagnosed by physical examination findings and imaging tests. Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes massage, rest, physical therapy, heat, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Invasive procedures and even surgery may be considered if first-line treatments fail to bring relief from the chronic pain of this type of headache.
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Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia, and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, for example, nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, and hormonal changes. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) are burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).
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Neck Pain (Cervical Pain)
Neck pain (cervical pain, cervicalgia) may be caused by any number of disorders and diseases. Tenderness is another symptom of neck pain. Though treatment for neck pain really depends upon the cause, treatment typically may involve heat/ice application, traction, physical therapy, cortisone injection, topical anesthetic creams, and muscle relaxants.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Symptoms and Treatments
Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms vary from person to person and can last for days to months without periods of remission. Symptoms of MS include sexual problems and problems with the bowel, bladder, eyes, muscles, speech, swallowing, brain, and nervous system. The early symptoms and signs of multiple sclerosis usually start between ages 20-40. MS in children, teens, and those over age 40 is rare. Treatment options for multiple sclerosis vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to manage MS symptoms.
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is considered a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD has also been referred to as late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. The cause of PMDD is unknown. Some of the common symptoms of PMDD (not an inclusive list) include mood swings, bloating, fatigue, headache, irritability, headache, breast tenderness, acne, and hot flashes. Treatment for PMDD is with medication to treat the symptoms of PMDD.
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What Can Cause Pelvic Pain in Men?
Anyone can experience pain in their pelvic region. Learn the causes and symptoms of pelvic pain, as well as what doctors do to diagnose and treat pelvic pain.
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Bell's Palsy (Facial Nerve Problems)
Bell's palsy is one type of facial nerve paralysis. The seventh cranial nerve controls the muscles of the face, and although scientists do not know the exact cause of Bell's palsy, they think it may be due to nerve damage from an infection, for example, the flu, common cold viruses, and more serious infections like meningitis. The symptoms of Bell's palsy vary from person to person, but can include mild weakness to total paralysis, dry eye, dry mouth, eyelid drooping, drooling, mouth drooping, dry mouth, changes in taste, and excessive tearing in one eye.
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Medical Marijuana (Medical Cannabis)
Medical marijuana (medical cannabis) is a medicine that is plant based. There are two species of medical marijuana; 1) Cannabis sativa, and 2) Cannabis indica. Medical marijuana is used to treat pain, nausea, anxiety, MS, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Medical cannabis is legal in a variety of states in the US. A card or licence is required to purchase medical marijuana in states where it is legal; however, medical cannabis is against Federal law. Medical marijuana comes in a variety of products, for example, gummy bears and other candy, muffins, cookies, drinks, salves, ointments, creams, oils, and wax.
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Degenerative Disc Disease and Sciatica
Degenerative disc disease makes the disc more susceptible to herniation (rupture) which can lead to localized or radiating pain. The pain from degenerative disc or joint disease of the spine is usually treated conservatively with intermittent heat, rest, rehabilitative exercises and medications to relieve pain, muscle spasm and inflammation.
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder of the muscles and joints that causes pain and stiffness in the arms, neck, shoulders, and buttocks. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica aims to reduce inflammation with aspirin, ibuprofen, and low doses of cortisone medications.
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Chondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome)
Chondromalacia patella (housemaid's knee or secretary's knee) results from misalignment of the kneecap as it slides over the lower end of the thigh bone. Symptoms include tightness or fullness in the knee area, swelling, and mild discomfort. Treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory medications, in addition to stretching, strengthening and icing the knee.
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Osteoarthritis vs. Osteoporosis Differences and Similarities
Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis and the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the entire joint. Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The differences in the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis include; pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, joint deformity, crackle sounds when the joint is moving, and walking with a limp. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it can progress for years without signs and symptoms before it is diagnosed, severe back pain, bone fractures, height loss, and difficulty or inability to walk. The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.
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Herniated Disc
A herniated disc may be caused by injury or degeneration from age. Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether nerve tissue is being irritated. An MRI or CT scan is performed to diagnose a herniated disc. Treatment may involve physical therapy, cortisone injection, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, and surgery.
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When Should I Worry About Hernia Pain?
Hernias can lead to serious medical complications. Find out more about different types of hernias and when to see a doctor for hernia pain.
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How Long Does a Deltoid Tear Take to Heal?
Depending on the severity of your deltoid muscle tear, and if surgery is required, it can take weeks to months to heal.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia
Pain that originates in the face is referred to as trigeminal neuralgia. This pain may be caused by: an injury, an infection in the face, a nerve disorder, or it can occur for no known reason. Trigeminal neuralgia can be treated with antiseizure medications. Some antidepressant drugs also have significant pain relieving effects.
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What Is Diabetic Neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy a condition in which nerve damage has occurred as a complication of diabetes. The pain from the nerve damage can be severe with tingling or numbness in the part of the body affected. Diabetic neuropathy can occur anywhere in the body. Diabetic neuropathy can cause symptoms like intense pain, numbness, burning, or tingling in the part of the body affected by the condition. There are four types of neuropathy include peripheral, autonomic, proximal and focal. Natural therapies and medications may help relieve the pain and other symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
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Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful complication of shingles. Symptoms include severe pain, itchy skin, and possible weakness or paralysis of the area. There is no treatment for postherpetic neuralgia that is effective for all patients.
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Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that leads to ongoing pain symptoms. Patients can be predisposed to developing neuropathic pain who have conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, HIV, vitamin deficiencies, shingles, and multiple sclerosis. Patient history and nerve testing are used to diagnose neuropathic pain. Antidepressants, antiseizure medications, and other types of medications are used to treat neuropathic pain. Many people with neuropathic pain are able to attain some level of relief.
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Pelvic Pain (in Women and Men)
Pelvic pain is described as pain, usually in the lower pelvic area. Causes of acute and chronic pelvic pain in women include endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, tumors, or fibroids, ovulation, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or congestion syndrome, vulva pain, and rarely cancer. Pelvic pain during pregnancy may be caused by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy), preterm or premature labor, and placental abruption. Causes of pelvic pain in men include prostate problems, testicular pain, and groin pain. Causes of pelvic pain in men and women include kidney stones, appendicitis, UTIs, IBD, and STDs. Signs and symptoms associated with pelvic pain depend on the cause, but man include pain during or after sexual intercourse, abdominal pain, distension, and tenderness, diarrhea, constipation, vaginal discharge or bleeding, blood, pus, in the urine, cloudy urine, blood in the stool, stool color changes, and low back pain. The cause of pelvic pain is diagnosed by a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging procedures. Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the cause.
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Could a Stiff Neck Be a Sign of Something Serious?
Neck stiffness is a common issue that affects many people. Learn the signs of neck stiffness, what causes neck stiffness, how doctors diagnose neck stiffness, and how neck stiffness is treated.
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What Are the Warning Signs of Tetanus?
Tetanus is a severe disease that affects many people. Learn the warning signs and diagnosis process for tetanus disease.
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Spondylolisthesis
The five types of spondylolisthesis include dysplastic, isthmic, degenerative, traumatic, and pathologic. The most common symptom of spondylolisthesis is lower back pain. Treatment depends on the type and severity of spondylolisthesis. Surgery is required in some cases of spondylolisthesis.
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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis can be caused by degenerative arthritis (the most common cause), tumor, infection, or metabolic disorders (Paget's disease of the bone). Symptoms include low back pain, weakness, pain, numbness, and loss of sensation in the legs. Other conditions may cause similar symptoms of lumbar stenosis, including diabetic neuropathy, claudication, and peripheral vascular disease. Lumbar stenosis may be treated with medication or surgery.
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Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury to a person's neck following a car accident (in most cases). Symptoms include headache, neck pain, neck and shoulder stiffness, shoulder pain, fatigue, dizziness, jaw pain, arm pain, weakness of the arm(s), visual disturbances, and tinnitus. Diagnosis is generally with a physical exam, X-rays, or possibly an MRI. Treatment generally includes physical therapy and time.
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Turf Toe
Turf toe is a sprain to the ligaments around the big toe joint. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, a popping sound, and limited range of motion. Treatment may involve taking ibuprofen, immobilizing with tape, cast, or a walking boot.
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What Causes Neck Pain in Seniors?
Neck pain can affect your employment, social life, and personal relationships. The causes of neck pain in seniors include muscle spasms, arthritis, poor posture, cervical spondylosis, cervical spinal stenosis and disk problems.
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Hospice
Hospice is a service that offers support, resources, and assistance to terminally ill patients and their families. In such late stages of diseases, especially when there is "nothing left to do," hospice can offer help for patients and families. There are many aspects of a patient's well-being that can be addressed. Hospice can play a key role in managing physical symptoms of a disease (palliative care) and supporting patients and families emotionally and spiritually.
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How Do You Treat a Strained Neck Muscle?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your strained neck muscle symptoms and speed up your neck recovery.
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Migraine vs. Headache: Differences and Similarities
Headaches are the most common reason why a person goes to the doctor or other healthcare professional for treatment. There are different types of headaches, for example, migraine, tension, and cluster headaches. The most common type of headache is tension headache. Migraine is much less common. There are few similarities between migraine and other headaches, for example, the severity of the pain can be the same, mild, moderate, or severe; and they can occur on one side or both sides of the head. However, there are many differences between migraine and other types of headaches. Migraine headaches also have different names, for example, migraine with aura and menstrual migraine. Symptoms of migraine that usually aren't experienced by a person with another type of headache include nausea, vomiting, worsens with mild exercise, debilitating pain, eye pain, throbbing head pain. Migraine trigger include light, mild exercise, strong smells, certain foods like red wine, aged cheese, smoked meats, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, alcohol, and dairy products, menstrual period, stress, oversleeping, and changes in barometric pressure. Untreated migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours, but may last for weeks. Most headaches resolve within 24-48 hours. Doctors don't know exactly what causes migraine headaches; however, other headaches like tension headaches have more specific triggers and causes. Additional tests usually are required to diagnose migraine from other types of headaches, diseases, or other medical problems. Most headaches can be treated and cured with home remedies like essential oils, massage, and over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin). Most headaches resolve with OTC and home remedy treatment, while your doctor may need to prescribe medication to treat your migraines. If you have the "worst headache of your life," seek medical care immediately.
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What Is the Most Common Treatment for Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is long-lasting and persistent and lasts for months or years. The most common treatments for chronic pain are NSAIDs, acetaminophen, COX-2 inhibitors, antidepressants and anti-seizure medicines, and opioids.
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Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a condition that usually affects young or middle-aged adults, is an inflammation of the arteries supplying blood to the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. Symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis include bloody sputum, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, sinusitis, shortness of breath, and fever. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis may be fatal within months without treatment. Treatment aims to stop inflammation with high doses of prednisone and cyclophosphamide.
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What Do You Do When Pain Management Doesn't Work?
If you suffer from chronic pain, it can be frustrating when your pain medications are no longer effective. Here is what you can do when pain management doesn’t work.
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Cancer Pain
Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also cause pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, radiation, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques are just some treatments for cancer pain.
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Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs)
Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are muscular conditions that result from repeated motions. Carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, bursitis, and tendonitis are types of RMDs. Symptoms and signs include pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, and loss of strength and flexibility. Treatment involves stopping the activity that's causing symptoms, adopting stretching and relaxation exercises, icing the affected area, and using pain relievers.
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Pain Management: Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is chronic pain resulting from injury to the nervous system. The injury can be to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
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What Helps Pain After Surgery?
After surgery, it's important to work with your healthcare team to make your recovery as pain-free as possible. Communicate with your doctor and nurses to help them adjust your pain management plan.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Cortisone Injection
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan)
- Epidural Steroid Injection
- Spinal Fusion
- Ear Tubes
- What Is the Recovery Time for Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery?
- Cryotherapy
- How Long Does a Superficial Peroneal Nerve Block Last?
- Is Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery Brain Surgery?
- What Is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Used For?
- Bioelectric Therapy
- Pain FAQs
- Phantom Limb Pain: Mirror Therapy Treatment
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Pain Management: OTC NSAIDs - Doctors Dialogue
- Pain Management Over-The-Counter
- Doctors Answer Pain Questions
- Grapefruit Juice and Drug Interactions
- Herniated Disc - Epidural Cortisone Injections
Medications & Supplements
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- tramadol
- acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- Drug Interactions
- Ibuprofen and Plavix
- meloxicam
- duloxetine
- codeine (for Pain)
- Lyrica
- gabapentin
- Tylenol (acetaminophen) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- fentanyl injection (Sublimaze)
- Oxycodone for Pain (OxyContin, Roxicodone, Oxecta, Oxaydo, Xtampza ER, Roxybond)
- fentanyl patch (Duragesic)
- hydrocodone/acetaminophen
- cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril, Amrix, Fexmid)
- Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen, Roxicet, Tylox, Oxycet)
- naproxen
- Tramadol (Ultram) Side Effects
- hydrocodone (Zohydro ER)
- Cox-2 Inhibitors
- ketorolac (Toradol)
- tramadol and acetaminophen (Ultracet)
- hydrocodone and ibuprofen, Vicoprofen
- hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- buprenorphine
- propofol
- Side Effects of Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
- OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinal)
- orphenadrine (Norflex)
- morphine
- carisoprodol (Soma)
- misoprostol, Cytotec
- propoxyphene and acetaminophen (Darvocet)
- Side Effects of Norflex (orphenadrine)
- sumatriptan, Imitrex, Alsuma, Imitrex STATdose System, Sumavel DosePro
- desipramine (Norpramin)
- camphor
- etodolac, Lodine (Discontinued)
- lidocaine anesthetic
- butorphanol (Stadol)
- propoxyphene (Darvon, Dolene)
- Savella (milnacipran)
- ketorolac
- metaxalone
- hydromorphone
- oxycodone/acetaminophen
- aspirin
- oxymorphone
- Ultram (tramadol) Side Effects, Warnings, and Interactions
- ketoprofen
- choline magnesium salicylate, Trilisate
- capsaicin topical
- hyaluronate (hyaluronan, Hyalgan, Supartz, Euflexxa, Orthovisc)
- Tofacitinib citrate (Xeljanz)
- morphine high potency injection (Astramorph, Duramorph, Infumorph, AVINza)
- Simponi, Simponi Aria (golimumab)
- oxaprozin (Daypro)
- Butrans (buprenorphine)
- medical marijuana
- Ibuprofen intravenous (IV)
- fentanyl tablet - buccal, Fentora
- meperidine - injection, Demerol
- Pain Medications (Narcotics)
- Belbuca (buprenorphine)
- hylan G-F 20 (Synvisc)
- fentanyl lozenge - buccal, Actiq
- Flector Patch (diclofenac epolamine)
- morphine extended-release capsule - oral, Avinza
- Side Effects of Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen)
- OxyContin (oxycodone)
- methadone hydrochloride
- Dsuvia (sufentanil)
- morphine sustained-action capsule - oral, Kadian
- hydromorphone extended release - oral, Exalgo
- Sprix (ketorolac tromethamine)
- Percodan (aspirin and oxycodone hydrochloride)
- fenoprofen (Nalfon)
- Anjeso (meloxicam)
- Zohydro ER (hydrocodone)
- Prialt (ziconotide)
- Talacen
- Ionsys
- Demerol
- Onsolis
- Percodan
- Talwin Nx
- Synera
- Ultracet
- Oxecta
- Zolvit
- Dysport
- Roxicodone 15 30 mg
- Targiniq ER
- Palladone
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Robaxin
- Soma
- OxyContin
- Ketalar
- Ultram
- Zanaflex
- Sumavel DosePro
- Opana
- Hysingla ER
- Morphabond
- Vantrela ER
- Opana ER
- Nucynta
- Skelaxin
- Vicodin ES
- Tivorbex
- Subsys
- Combunox
- Caldolor
- Duraclon
- Embeda
- Xartemis XR
- Avinza
- Zipsor
- Duragesic
- Roxicodone
- Roxanol
- Tylenol-Codeine
- Lorcet
- Orudis
- Dilaudid
- Savella
- Marcaine
- Methadose Oral Concentrate
- Acuvail
- Belbuca
- Ibuprofen
- Duramorph
- Cataflam
- Dyloject
- Codeine Sulfate
- Aspirin
- Exalgo
- Endodan
Prevention & Wellness
- CDC Issues New Guidance on Prescribed Opioids for Pain
- Telehealth Boosts Odds That Patients Show Up for Post-Surgery Care
- Taking a Shot at Pain Relief After Knee Replacement
- Alternative Medicine Popular Among Seniors, But Most Don't Tell Their Doctors About It
- Mindfulness Can Help Ease Pain, and Scientists Think They Know How
- Is Arthritis Pain Relief as Close as Your Spice Rack?
- Production of Two Excedrin Painkillers Halted
- Musician Sia Reveals Painful Ehlers-Danlos Struggle
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