In the old days people had few alternatives when traumatized by pain and related problems. But now mankind does not have to worry much about suffering pain due to the availability of advanced treatment and effective pain management techniques.

Westside Spine and Sports Medicine, located in Manhattan in New York City, offers excellent advanced treatments for managing pain.

Medications: At present, a number of effective pain relieving medications are available. Suitable medications are prescribed for severe, chronic pain associated with certain debilitating conditions.

  1. Anti inflammatory medicines: Anti inflammatory medicines are prescribed for irritation and swelling associated with diseases such as chronic arthritis. These medicines include aspirin (BayerŽ, AnacinŽ), aspirin with acetaminophen (Excedrin) and buffered aspirin (BufferinŽ, AscriptinŽ). Non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDSs) such as Naproxen (A cue Ž) and Ibuprofen (MotrinŽ, AdvilŽ) can reduce inflammation, pain and fever.

  2. Common Pain Relievers: drugs like acetaminophen (TylenolŽ) are non-aspirin pain relievers and are recommended for minor pain and headaches. Sometimes they are given in combination with other treatments to lessen pain. Certain medical conditions respond better to physical medicines than prescription drugs.

  3. Injection Treatments: given to reduce swellings, muscle spasms and irritation. In this procedure patients are given injections of local anesthetics with or without cortisone.

  4. Nerve Blocks: considerable pain may be caused to any part of the body and even organs by ganglion or plexus, which is a group of nerves. This can be blocked with the application of local anesthetics.

  5. Electrical Stimulation: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is the ordinary type of electrical stimulator. West side Spine and Sports Medicine also uses this modality. This painless procedure does not require medicine or needles and the pain is reduced by stimulating nerve fibers deep in the skin.

  6. Physical therapy: You may be advised to undergo an exercise program which will help to reduce pain and increase your daily activities. Other treatments include ultra sound and deep muscle massage besides whirlpool therapy.

  7. Surgery: In exceptional cases where the patient's pain has not reduced, surgery may be resorted to. Surgery is recommended only when other alternatives have been tried and found ineffective.