Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi - (Page 44)

1 Pain Medications Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can provide a first line of defense against chronic pain, but regular takers should exercise care, says Perry Fine, M.D., president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. “Even with mild analgesics [painkillers], you need to proceed with care because these can cause damage to the body if taken in excess,” Fine says. These side effects include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage, and addiction. Fine says he also cautions against prescription-strength pain relievers for most chronic pain sufferers. For acute injury with severe pain, high-dose pain medications can help mobilize a person and allow the body to heal. “This isn’t the case for most people experiencing prolonged chronic pain,” Fine says, “and is only advised for a small, select group of individuals for whom there are no better or safer solutions.” coMPleMentary and alternative theraPies When you’re serious about solving your pain problems, don’t rule out any treatments. Alternative therapies can complement traditional treatments, says Loren Fishman, M.D., co-author of Yoga for Arthritis: The Complete Guide and Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing. “By using two, three or even four methods, I’m often able to increase a patient’s relief,” Fishman says. ”Maybe it’s acupuncture and injections and then yoga to improve posture and psychotherapy to help with the coping.” Fishman, who teaches yoga, is also an advocate of meditation. He includes five to 10 minutes of it at the end of his yoga classes. “Meditation gives people a place they can rest and leave all their troubles at the door,” he says. “They know those troubles will be there waiting for them when they emerge, but in the meantime, they are trouble-free, and this gives them comfort and hope.” exercise and nutrition It’s the last thing you may want to do when you’re hurting, but exercise is a proven pain reliever, and for many chronic pain sufferers, yoga can be especially helpful. JeanLouis Carbonnier, one of Fishman’s patients, found more than just physical relief from his sciatica in a yoga class that the doctor teaches. “I certainly have constant pain, but I think having these weekly workouts and knowing I have some form of support—psychologically and physically—helps me cope with it,” Carbonnier says. Before you begin an exercise regimen, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy. Therapists teach exercises and proper body mechanics as well as offer real-world tips to help minimize pain as you go about your daily life. This might include using a foam roller—or even just a tennis ball in a sock—to work out troublesome spots. Fine also recommends a balanced diet (no surprise) and a daily combination of aerobic, stretching and strengthening exercises like walking, yoga and swimming. 3 4 44 Vim & Vigor • SP r i n g 2 012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi
Opening Thoughts
Building Healthier Hearts
Young at Heart
Caring for the Little Ones
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
Jennifer Hudson, Grammy-winning recording artist
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Virtual Health
SPECIAL You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby
Get Heart Healthy!
Growing Stronger
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - North Mississippi