When you suffer from chronic or acute pain, it can make your life miserable. Simple tasks like doing the laundry, walking in the park, or standing all day at your job become too tough to handle. That’s why it’s important to learn ways to manage your pain. If you live in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Kevin Chan and his experienced staff help you develop the tools you need to manage your chronic or acute pain. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Acute Pain?
Acute pain is often sharp and arrives without warning. It may be pain associated with an injury or surgery. Typically, acute pain may last for a moment or it can last for weeks and months. It usually lasts no longer than six months. Once you no longer have the illness or your injury heals, your acute pain disappears.
What is Chronic Pain?
When your pain lasts for six or more months, you’re dealing with chronic pain. It doesn’t matter that you no longer have the injury or illness that initially caused it. The pain lingers. It makes it difficult to go on with your normal life, whether that means going to work and school or participating in recreational activities with family and friends.
Managing Your Pain
Just because you suffer from pain doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life on the sidelines. Visit your doctor in Phoenix, AZ, to help you learn the cause of your pain. He or she can then provide appropriate treatment. Treatment will vary depending on whether you have acute or chronic pain.
Typical treatments may include heat or cold therapies, massage, and physical therapy. Other treatments are relaxation techniques, acupuncture, or cognitive behavior therapy. Your doctor may also decide to provide you with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. This type of therapy involves the use of electrical currents to relieve pain in your body.
Schedule Your Appointment
Acute and chronic pain doesn’t have to destroy your life. An experienced physician can provide you with treatment that helps you manage your pain. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Chan and his staff at Pineapple Health in Phoenix, AZ. Give them a call at 480-531-6001.