Chronic pain remains a common experience shared across military and civilian populations. This pain can result from injuries, surgeries, joint conditions or side effects from other conditions.
The good news is that there are many treatments, techniques and therapies to help a patient manage your pain and bring relief.
"As part of the DOD Pain Management Task Force 2010 effort, DVCIPM recommend a number of pain-management strategies that you can use alone or with other treatments to help you manage your pain," explained Dr. Chester 'Trip' Buckenmaier III, program director at Uniformed Service University of the Health Science's Defense & Veterans Center for Integrative Pain Management. "These five treatment methods are consistent with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Stepped Care Model of Pain management."
Massage
Therapeutic massage can help reduce pain in your lower back and neck. There are many different massage techniques such as Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, and sports massage. During a massage, a licensed therapist applies pressure and other forms of manipulation, such as kneading, circular movements, or tapping, onto muscle and soft tissue. Massage can increase blood circulation, which can help reduce pain. Massages also help you feel calmer or less anxious, which in turn, can also reduce pain.
Massages can be more effective at reducing lower back pain when combined with a strengthening and stretching program. Massages are generally safe, but make sure you seek treatment from a trained professional.
Yoga
If your lower back hurts now and then, or if you struggle with ongoing pain in this area, consider yoga to help relieve the pain, lower your anxiety, and feel more relaxed. Lower back pain is common. For most people, the pain goes away in less than three months without treatment. For others, though, lower back pain doesn't go away. When pain lasts longer than three months, it's called "chronic" pain.
Yoga typically includes three benefits. First, breathing retraining can help calm and focus your body and mind. Second, yoga can increase your flexibility, coordination, and strength. Lastly, meditation exercises can help you become more aware of your actions and feelings, lower your stress levels, and improve your mood.
Yoga isn't a replacement for seeing your doctor about your pain. If you have a medical condition, talk with your healthcare provider before you start doing yoga. Adding yoga to your existing pain-management plan can help ease pain from injury or other painful conditions. As a mind-body approach, it often combines meditation and breathing with exercise and stretching.