What can be done to cope with Pain other than using medicines?

Answer 1

Depends on what kind of pain? explain where the pain is? back pain? joint pains?

Answer 2

Migraines are best treated early to control the pain. At first sign of one coming on, you could try taking two Tylenol with one aspirin and a cup of coffee. This is what's in over-the-counter migraine meds, and I found it to work really well for me. The key is don't let the migraine get started--it's much easier to prevent at first sign than it is to beat it back once it's gotten a good start. Some people get relief from putting cold (ice packs) on their necks, heads, but others like heat. I am a like-heat person, and a hot shower with the water beating on my skull feels really good when I'm fighting a migraine. I also like a heating pad on medium across my forehead, on the top of my head, on my neck, etc. You have to live a pretty clean life if you are a migraine sufferer. Too little sleep, waiting too long to eat and letting your blood sugar drop too low, slight (even slight) dehydration, alcohol, cigarettes, are all triggers. If I am going to have a glass of wine, I have to be careful not to do that on an empty stomach, or I will end up with a headache. You have to really balance out your triggers, but once you know what they are, you can do it. There are preventive meds you can take, which your MD could tell you about. Hope some of that helps.

Answer 3

There are several ways that are used in the medical setting....

Relaxation/meditation/guided imagery, it is vital to try to take moments away in your mind. I know it sounds like a bunch of crap but it works. Focus your mind on something you enjoy and block out everything in your head except for that. It works.

Distraction, do something that you enjoy (something that doesn't cause pain that is), watch your favorite tv show or movie, play a game (board, card, computer), do whatever it is that you enjoy and will take your mind away from the pain.

Reposition, if your having pain when sitting/standing/lying in a position for too long, try to reposition yourself every 15 minutes or so. This can take the strain of the muscles away by using different muscle groups to bear the weight.

Music, music can be a very good pain control method. Soothing music works best but anything that can get your mind into the beat and off the pain is the ticket.

Humor, to me laughing is the best form of pain control. Music and humor can both cause the body to release endorphins to help you relax and "forget" about the pain. It's amazing to see someone in the hospital having pain or just a bad day, get them to laugh and their whole body and personality changes. Everyday, my goal is to make my patients smile! :)

Remember, pain works in the flood gate theory. Once the gate opens up, it's very hard to close it. When you begin to have pain, take measures to stop it.

Answer 4

Physical therapy works much better than medication for alot of different pain. You don't say what your pain is from. I fell and hurt my back, waited one week thinking the pain would get better. It did not. I'm from the old days
when doctors would prescribe muscle relaxers and bed rest. So I was really surprised when he suggested going
the therapy route. It was great and i learned alot about
muscles and pain. I would talk to your doctor and find out your options. Good Luck

Answer 5

"Guided Imagery" can be quite effective. It's when you create a "scene", narrated by yourself or another (that's the most effective, IMO), to deal with feelings or sensations.

I began using it as a child, just by chance (I had awful headaches)...and I would imagine sawing off the top of my head and removing my brain (yes, it sounds nuts but it worked!).

Now, I'm more sophisticated...thank goodness...and I use other methods.

Ever heard of "chi"...the body's energy? Well, when I have a headache, I imagine the pain as something liquid, like water, and that it's flowing out of my head, down through my arms and out my fingertips. (no...it's not as nuts as it sounds!)...AND it works!

I have used it w/my kid since he was quite young (he's 16 now). I tell him to breathe deeply and slowly and then imagine just what I wrote above. He says it almost always works!

Also, you can use pressure points (not quite the same as acupressure or shiatsu, though those can help too). The one for headaches, for example, is between your thumb and forefinger. Herbs and spices, like cayenne pepper, can also be used for topical relief, such as toothaches.

The link below deals with many of these.

P.S. there are many well documented cases of women delivering babies, even through C-section, while under self-hypnosis!

Answer 6

In a word, appropriate activity. Assuming the pain is from an injury, the injury needs to heal. Resting the site will let it begin healing. Then, proper range of motion and moderate exercise should return the area to its pre-injury state. Or close to it. Talk with a doctor you trust.

Answer 7

Meditation and visualization may help. Also, massage therapy has helped my wife in the past. Sometimes a good Physical Therapist can be very helpful.

Answer 8

Hypnosis works for some people.

Answer 9

Try accupuncture...
May take several treatments, but well worth it...and what have you got to lose?

Answer 10

massage, positive thinking, holistic or herbal remedies, aromatherapy