Pain Management offers strategies, treatments, and tips for alleviating chronic and acute pain, helping individuals improve their quality of life and manage discomfort effectively.

(img by University of Iowa Health Care) Weird Sitting? Ouch, Why? Let’s be real… “butt hole hurts when sitting” isn’t exactly small talk at a party. But if you’ve ever plopped down and then immediately shot back up because—ow, something’s just not right? You’re so not alone. And honestly, isn’t it weird how we don’t talk about this stuff until it gets bad? Imagine this: What if tomorrow you could…

A quick look at the best ice packs list Best for all-day use: CryoMAX 8 Hour Cold Therapy Pack Best for shoulders: REVIX Shoulder Ice Pack Best for wrists and hands: Arctic Flex Wrist Ice Pack Best for the back and large areas: FlexiKold Oversize Gel Cold Pack Best for the lower back: MagicGel Pain Relief Pack Best for knees: HurtSkurt Stretch-to-Fit Hot/Cold Pack Best for kids: Up & Up…

Cold laser therapy refers to low-intensity laser treatment that promotes healing by delivering small amounts of light energy. It’s termed “cold” laser therapy because the light levels used aren’t sufficient to heat body tissues. These intensities are much lower than those employed in other laser treatments designed to ablate tumors or coagulate tissue. Unlike surgical or aesthetic lasers that warm the treated tissue, cold laser therapy does not generate heat.…

Many prescription and over-the-counter remedies can help ease muscle spasms and muscle spasticity. Muscle relaxers, also called muscle relaxants, are drugs prescribed to treat muscle spasms or spasticity. Muscle spasms or cramps are abrupt, involuntary tightenings of one muscle or a group of muscles. They often result from excessive muscle strain and can be painful. They’re frequently associated with conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, and fibromyalgia. Muscle spasticity,…

Bowen therapy, often called Bowenwork or Bowtech, is a hands-on bodywork approach. It uses gentle stretches of the fascia — the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs — with the aim of easing pain and encouraging relaxation. A practitioner of Bowen uses precise, delicate rolling motions with their hands. These movements target muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the surrounding fascia and skin. The technique is intended to reduce pain by stimulating…

Tiger Balm is a well-known topical product commonly used to ease pain. Its main components are camphor and menthol, which help reduce muscle and joint discomfort while producing a cooling feeling. Tiger Balm has existed for more than 100 years. In the United States, the brand’s current lineup includes several over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief options such as: creams gels ointments patches sprays oils Although Tiger Balm is promoted as a…

Massage therapy offers numerous reported advantages, including targeted hand massages. Massaging the hands can help relieve muscle tightness and may lessen pain. This piece explores the advantages of hand massage and provides guidance on how to massage your hands when they need extra attention. What are the benefits of a hand massage? A hand massage can support your health and wellness in several ways. Potential benefits of hand massage include:…

Deep tissue massage provides both physical relief and mental calm. It can ease muscle aches and stiffness while also offering stress-reducing relaxation for both body and mind. This technique is primarily employed to address musculoskeletal problems, including strains and sports-related injuries. It involves applying sustained pressure with slow, deliberate strokes to reach the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissues. This approach helps break down scar tissue that can form…

A heating pad can be an effective option for alleviating sore necks and backs. Applying warmth may help ease discomfort in strained or overworked muscles. Crafting a homemade heating pad from items around your house is a quick, straightforward way to comfort aching muscles and joints. There are multiple approaches you can try. (img by The Spruce Crafts) Method 1 Nathan Wei, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist and former director of…

There aren’t universal rules for how many massages you should receive, but a licensed massage therapist or your physician can often suggest a schedule and session length tailored to your situation. Receiving a massage can be a form of self-care, a way to unwind, or a strategy to address medical concerns. You can book sessions with a professional for many different massage styles, practice self-massage, or have a partner perform…