Dealing with intense or chronic pain is never fun, and many long-term sufferers are willing to try just about any possible solution to manage and relieve their symptoms.
As a result, there are hundreds of pain management options available to us, both online and in physical stores, and the variety can only be a good thing.
According to a 2018 survey, approximately 3.2 million Australians were suffering from chronic pain at the time, a number which was projected to grow exponentially with each passing decade.
Still, the question remains – how can you find out which pain management device will work best for you and effectively relieve your pain?
Read on to find out more about some of the most popular pain management devices on the market today.
Light Therapy Devices
Not to be confused with the devices that are commonly used to improve the appearance of the skin, light therapy devices for pain relief work by channeling light energy at certain frequencies and intensities.
The most common varieties include LEDs and red light therapy devices, both of which can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and speed up the healing process.
By penetrating the skin, they also improve the circulation of oxygenated blood in the body and accelerate deep tissue healing, even in those cells and tissues that are considered difficult to reach.
For all the benefits of light therapy, there are also some risks, particularly for people who are on photosensitive medications which make your skin extra sensitive to light.
Professional Massage Gun
The idea of using massages for pain relief is nothing new, unlike the latest massage technology, which opens up new possibilities for medication-free pain relief.
Electric massage guns are designed to do two important jobs: relieving muscle pain and promoting blood and lymph circulation.
These devices are particularly useful for warding off pain in the back, neck, and shoulders, ahd helping users to recover from post-workout pain.
However, it’s important that you don’t use a massage gun on scabs, wounds, or broken bones.
TENS machine
Standing for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS machines work by stimulating nerves to block pain signals from reaching your brain.
They can be used to treat many painful conditions, from arthritis and pain in various joints to period pain and even labor pains.
While TENS machines are only used for short-term pain relief, patients have affirmed that their pain relief lasts longer in between sessions each time they use the machine.
There are several situations in which a TENS machine may not be suitable for use; for example, these devices are often used to help pregnant women manage labor pains, but are not suitable for women who are less than 37 weeks pregnant.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy, or LLLT, is another form of non-invasive light therapy that works by stimulating cells and tissues in the body to encourage healing, restore function, and control inflammation.
LLLT is commonly used to treat a range of conditions from back pain to osteoarthritis and sports injuries.
It is known to be particularly effective in treating the lower back and chronic and acute neck pain, and can also be helpful in treating muscle pain.
It’s important to note that if you have cancer, or suspect that you might, you should not receive laser therapy of any kind.
Circulation Booster
Most of us rely heavily on our legs to move around and get things done, and over time, this level of usage can leave us with aches, pains, cramps, and swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs.
Throwing circulation issues into the mix only increases the likelihood of developing these problems.
Fortunately, using a device designed to improve circulation can resolve many such challenges.
However, as with most pain management devices, some people are unable to use the devices due to existing conditions.
For example, if you are pregnant, using a pacemaker, or experiencing symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis, you may be unable to use a circulation booster.
Experiencing intense or ongoing pain can take much of the joy out of your life, but there’s no need to allow this to continue.
The best silver lining for anyone who is experiencing chronic pain is the knowledge that there are so many treatment options available, and these are only the tip of the iceberg.
If you’re struggling with pain to the point where it is affecting your quality of life, take the first step on the road to recovery and talk to your healthcare professional.