Acute Pain

Acute pain refers to a sudden and short-term pain that is typically caused by an injury, surgery, or illness. The treatment of acute pain by our pain specialist may involve various approaches, depending on the underlying cause and the specific needs of the patient. Here are some different types of acute pain and the corresponding treatments:

1. Postoperative Pain:
   • Medications: Pain specialists may prescribe analgesic medications, such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or local anesthetics, to manage postoperative pain.
   • Regional Anesthesia: Techniques like epidural anesthesia, nerve blocks, or local anesthetic infiltration can be used to numb specific areas and provide targeted pain relief.
   • Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA): In some cases, a pain pump may be used, allowing patients to self-administer controlled doses of pain medication to manage their pain.
2. Traumatic Injury Pain:
   • R.I.C.E.: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are often initial measures used to manage pain and swelling associated with acute injuries.
   • Medications: Non-prescription pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs) or prescribed analgesics may be recommended to alleviate pain.
   • Physical Therapy: Once the acute phase has passed, a pain specialist may refer the patient to physical therapy for exercises, stretches, and other modalities to aid in recovery and pain management.
3. Acute Back or Neck Pain:
   • Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be prescribed to manage acute back or neck pain.
   • Physical Therapy: Exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques may be recommended to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and strengthen supporting muscles.
   • Heat/Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Acute Migraine or Headache:
   • Medications: Pain specialists may prescribe specific medications, including triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or analgesics, to relieve migraine or headache pain.
   • Trigger Management: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as certain foods or stressors, can help prevent or manage acute migraines or headaches.
   • Biofeedback and Relaxation Techniques: Learning relaxation techniques, biofeedback, or stress management strategies can help reduce the intensity and frequency of migraines or headaches.
5. Acute Post-herpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Pain):
   • Antiviral Medications: If caused by the herpes zoster virus, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce the duration and severity of the infection.
   • Medications: Pain specialists may prescribe medications such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or topical agents like lidocaine patches to manage the nerve pain associated with shingles.
   • Nerve Blocks: Local anesthetics or steroid injections may be used to temporarily numb or block the affected nerves, providing relief from shingles pain.

It’s important to note that the treatment of acute pain may vary depending on the specific circumstances and individual patient needs. The pain specialists of the Eisenhower Clinic will conduct a thorough evaluation, consider the underlying cause, and develop a tailored treatment plan to effectively manage acute pain and promote recovery.