Thirsk Chiropractic Clinic

Top Tips for Acute Pain

1. DON'T PANIC
   The severity of the pain is not usually an indicator of how serious the injury is. Most people who are in extremely acute pain have simple protective muscle spasm which can usually be relieved quite quickly.

2. USE ICE
   Inflammation is always present in an acute condition. This causes the joints to swell and to be very painful. Use ice to minimise the inflammatory response and help to reduce the secondary effects of an injury. Place a cold gel pack (if you have one) or a packet of frozen peas, wrapped in a thin tea towel, over the painful area. Apply it for 15 minutes at a time with at least 1 hour between. Do not use, without proper medical advice, if you are diabetic or if you have poor circulation. The use of heat will increase the inflammation and can make things worse, this includes wallowing in a hot bath.

3. KEEP MOBILE
   At least, as mobile as you can. If you can you should get up and move around at regular intervals. If you remain still for too long you will seize up and prolong the agony.

4. REST AS COMFORTABLY AS YOU CAN
   Find the position that is most comfortable for you. There is no right or wrong – just do whatever feels best. For most people lying on your back with your knees bent up and supported is fairly comfortable. Lying on a hard surface with your legs out straight will tend to increase the loads at the base of your back.

5. ACCEPT HELP
   Don't be proud. Let family or friends look after you – you can always return the compliment later.

6. LISTEN TO YOUR BACK
   Pain is a warning sign. Your body is telling you that you have already or are about to cause damage. If what you are doing hurts then STOP. Do not try to push through the pain.

7. USE MEDICATION WISELY
   All drugs have side effects so they should be used wisely. The use of pain killers (paracetamol, cocodomol etc.) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nurofen, brufen, diclofenac etc.) only helps to mask the symptoms and not to sort out the problem. Do not take medication to take you through the pain so that you can do something, you will only make matters worse.

8. CONSULT YOUR CHIROPRACTOR
   The earlier you are seen the better. That way any underlying mechanical problem can be sorted out, the injury can be treated and the healing processes started. An acute injury is usually the result of a chronic underlying condition that you may not have been aware of. The acute pain comes on when you overload the system that one time too many. This needs to be identified and corrected to help prevent any future recurrences.

See also: Top Tips to Prevent Back Pain - how to avoid lower back problems!

Copyright Notice & Disclaimer