Did you know that painkillers are the most bought item off the shelves? Many people suffer from all sorts of pain and for the ladies that time of the month bring upon much suffering.
Our lifestyle has also contributed to this common ailment. Most office workers sit at the desk for long hours and face the computer without much movement. This can cause backache, neckache and even headaches. Not to mention, the mobile gadgets that youngsters use, and long hours of gaming can cause these pains as well.
Pain is an unpleasant sensation and has evolved to protect our bodies from harm by causing us to perform certain actions and avoid others. Our individual pain perception can vary at different times, even in response to the identical stimulus. We may feel more or less pain depending on our mood, sleep pattern, hunger, or activity.
There are 2 categories of pain: acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is a response to injury or tissue damage. Typically, this pain lasts less than 6 months, but may become chronic if not adequately treated. Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists longer than the normal course of time associated with injury, typically more than 3 to 6 months.
The Use of Medication to Treat Pain
There are many medications used to treat pain. The goal of proper pain management should always be to improve the patient’s quality of life, decrease the average pain rating, and improve overall functioning.
Caution children under 16 should never be given aspirin except on medical advice.
Only take the dose recommended on the packet or as advised by a medical professional. To avoid taking too high a dose, remember, some pain killing ingredients can also be found different products. For example, paracetamol may also be found in cold medicatios
Menstrual pain
Menstrual cramps is one of the most common, annoying parts for women. They usually happen for the first time a year or two after a girl first gets her period. With age, they usually become less painful and may stop entirely after the first baby.The medical term is “dysmenorrhea.”
For mild menstrual cramps, take aspirin or paracetamol. Some other medications require a pharmacist to dispense such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Heat can also help. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or tummy. Rest when needed.Avoid foods that contain caffeine and salt
Women who exercise regularly often have less menstrual pain.
Headaches -Cold and heat may relieve pain and muscle tension that can accompany headaches. A hot shower or moist heat applied to the back of the neck may ease symptoms of infrequent tension headaches. Try a hot water bottle, a warm towel or a warm compress. If you prefer cold, try wrapping an ice pack in a towel. Then put it where you hurt – on your forehead, temples or neck.
Some interesting info about pain triggers:
Pain Trigger: Smart Phones
Do you have a phone that lets you text, surf the web, and play games? That's a lot of mileage for your thumbs. Doctors have begun reporting cases of arthritis at the base of the thumb in younger people, possibly related to texting.
Solution: When your thumbs begin to ache, give the texting a rest. If pain continues, use your phone to make an actual call -- to a doctor. There are effective treatments for arthritis
Pain Trigger: Your Workstation
If you spend many hours a day at your desk or workstation, give some thought to the setup. A poorly positioned chair can cause you to slouch forward, straining the back and neck. A monitor that's too low or too high will also strain the neck.
Solution: Place your monitor with the top of the screen at eye level. Position your chair so that you are sitting straight with your feet on the floor. Use a cushion to support the lower back if needed.
Pain Trigger: Eyestrain
Headaches that are centered behind the eyebrows may be due to eyestrain. Eyestrain may occur when you have uncorrected vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. It can also come from staring at a computer screen without taking breaks.
Solution: Schedule an eye exam to see whether you need corrective lenses. If you already wear glasses, it may be time for a new prescription.
Pain Trigger: Stress
Stress contributes to a vast array of aches and pains. Many people tighten the back muscles when anxious, leading to chronic back pain. Most tension headaches stem from stress. Solution: Practice relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
When to See the Doctor About Pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you have:
