I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
3 Options For Non-Narcotic Pain Managment For Chronic Pain
Vickie Armstrong
If you suffer from chronic pain, effective pain management can be very challenging. It is often difficult to effectively treat your pain without developing a dependency on powerful narcotic pain medications. Unfortunately, current statistics list that up to 5% of people that use narcotics for as little as a year develop an addiction to them and therefore, it is a good idea to consider the non-narcotic pain management options that can help you. It will also be helpful to remember that narcotics are also known as opioids.
Consider Anti-depressants For Diabetic Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia Or Musculoskeletal Pain
One of the newer ideas for pain management in patients that suffer from chronic pain is the use of anti-depressants. Specifically, tricyclic antidepressants are a drug of choice that work by targeting some of the chemicals in your brain. As they change the chemicals in your brain, your pain level is likely to decrease as well and you do not need to be depressed to benefit from their use.
It is important to note that the use of anti-depressants can be combined with other pain management techniques to provide better results.
Ask About Oral Steroids If You Suffer From Back Pain
About 100 million people suffer from varying types of chronic pain each year in the United States and approximately 27% of those people have back pain. For adults under the age of 45, back pain is the most common reason to qualify for disability.
Steroids have strong anti-inflammatory properties and you may be able to kick-start a plan to manage your pain with up to two weeks using them. Long-term use is rarely recommended since there are many negative side effects associated with steroids if they are taken for long. Since antidepressants often take some time to begin working, due to their need to build up in your system, it is frequently helpful to consider combining the two for a brief period of time.
Muscle Relaxants For Early Pain And To Relieve Muscle Spasms
If you suffer from muscle spasms or your chronic pain has only recently come under the care of a physician, a first step frequently includes muscle relaxants. Their name relates closely to their function, as they literally allow injured or spasms muscles to relax.
Although they can be combined with other medications, they also provide a sedating effect, so it is crucial to take them only as your physician orders. Do not expect to drive, operate heavy machinery or participate in normal daily activities while taking them, until you know how you react to them.
In conclusion, non-narcotic pain management is often an effective option that does not present with the dangerous risks of dependency and addiction that narcotics do. If you suffer from chronic pain, be sure to discuss appropriate choices with your primary physician or a pain management specialist (such as one from Potter's House Apothecary, Inc), to provide yourself with a better quality of life.
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