Non-Opiate Chronic Pain Treatments
Treat Pain Without Opiates. Migraine and Fibromyalgia Treatment with TMS Therapy
There are a wide variety of reasons why people suffer from chronic pain, but some of the more commonly reported causes include:
- Arthritis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Cancer
- Nerve damage
- Persistent headaches
- Lower back injuries
Chronic pain can occur without a clear cause and varies from person to person, making treatment complex. At Pacific Health Systems, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells and can help relieve symptoms of conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia.
Treatment With TMS Therapy
Migraines are characterized by intense, debilitating headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Traditional treatments include medications and lifestyle adjustments, but for those who do not respond to these methods, TMS offers a promising alternative.
- Mechanism: For migraine, TMS therapy is used to target the cortical areas of the brain associated with pain processing. By delivering magnetic pulses to these areas, TMS can help in modulating the neural activity, potentially leading to a reduction in migraine frequency and severity.
- Efficacy: Clinical studies have shown that TMS therapy can effectively reduce the number of migraine days for patients, especially those who experience aura with their migraines. It’s considered a safe and effective prophylactic treatment, meaning it can prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, making it a challenging condition to treat. TMS therapy offers a novel approach to managing its symptoms.
- Mechanism: In the case of fibromyalgia, TMS aims to alter the pain perception pathways in the brain. By targeting specific areas involved in pain perception and modulation, TMS can help in reducing the overall pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.
- Efficacy: Research indicates that repetitive TMS (rTMS) can lead to significant pain reduction in fibromyalgia patients. The improvements in pain symptoms are accompanied by enhancements in quality of life and functional status, making it a viable option for those not responding well to conventional treatments.
Alternatives to Opiates for Pain Management
We offer both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for managing chronic pain.
1. Pharmacologic Treatments
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to control chronic pain without the addictive side effects. Some oral and topical medications used include:
Antidepressants & Anticonvulsants
Some prescription antidepressants can be effective in alleviating pain, even when depression isn’t a factor. Tricyclic antidepressants are most commonly prescribed and are sometimes used in conjunction with anticonvulsants to improve symptoms.
Topical anesthetics
Considered to be safer than systemic medications, local anesthetics can treat the pain directly at the source. Doctors may recommend topical ointments, such as NSAIDs, lidocaine, or capsaicin, for both neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain.
Nerve Blocks
Sometimes pain can be controlled or prevented by numbing a targeted group of nerves, called a plexus or a ganglion, with injections of local anesthetics. Nerve blocks are available for various parts of the face, neck, back, shoulder, arms, abdomen, and pelvis.
Pain Pumps
Implanted drug pumps deliver pain medication directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for fast-acting treatment in lower doses with a reduced chance of harmful side effects. Pain pumps are usually short-term solutions, but may be prescribed if you’ve tried other treatment approaches with no significant relief.
2. Non-Pharmacologic Treatments
Medication isn’t the only way to relieve the symptoms of chronic pain. Many effective alternative treatments include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with patients to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and teach new and effective methods of movement. They also play a crucial role in identifying the causes of pain to alleviate the problem at its source.
Acupuncture
Research shows acupuncture is effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions. By inserting thin needles into special “acupoints,” acupuncture can help your body release endorphins to naturally ease your discomfort.
TENS Therapy
Short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, TENS delivers a low-voltage electrical current through your skin via strategically placed electrodes. The current then sends signals to your brain that interfere with your normal pain receptors.
Radiofrequency Therapy
Similarly, the heat generated by radio waves can temporarily prevent certain nerves from transmitting pain signals. Administered using carefully placed needles, radiofrequency therapy can provide months – or even years – of pain relief.
Chronic Pain Management at PHS
If you’ve been suffering from chronic pain, Pacific Health Systems can help improve your symptoms – and your quality of life.