Overview:
- Breakthrough pain is pain that occurs even after a chronic pain patient has received treatment or taken a medication for pain relief.
- Because pain can be unpredictable, breakthrough pain may come in the form of sudden spikes or bursts every 4 to 6 hours.
- In this blog, pain management physicians at Tulsa Pain provide patients with the necessary tools to deal with breakthrough pain.
Breakthrough pain is a complex issue that causes short but intense bursts of discomfort. In short, breakthrough pain is pain that “breaks through” the ceiling of pain relief. This type of pain can last 4 to 6 hours and create problems for patients and their regimented treatment plans. Although the cause of breakthrough pain is unknown, many physicians speculate breakthrough pain is the result of conditioned pain responses and hyperalgesia from opioids.
This revelation has caused many physicians, like the ones at Tulsa Pain, to consider alternative methods for chronic pain management. At Tulsa Pain, patients are treated with a combination of interventional pain care techniques such as steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation procedures, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, infrared therapy, and peripheral needle stimulation. These forms of pain care help protect patients from some of the dangers of opioid medications.
Nevertheless, there are instances where prescribing opioids for pain management is absolutely necessary. Patients who experience debilitating nerve pain or other forms of pain often benefit from prescription medications and interventional pain treatments. For these patients, it’s important to keep some of the following tips in mind for when breakthrough pain occurs.
- If it’s your first time experiencing breakthrough pain, do not take more of your prescribed medication. Instead, call Tulsa Pain and consult your physician. Taking more of your medication could cause adverse effects or a higher tolerance for future dosages.
- If you’re able to speak to a physician, explain in detail some of the symptoms you’re experiencing. He or she may be able to prescribe short-acting pain relievers to control your pain. Also, be sure to document your breakthrough pain so you can discuss possible treatment changes or medications to prevent recurring breakthrough pain episodes.
- If you’re currently experiencing breakthrough pain, lie down in a dark, cool room and rest. It may help to play soothing music and practice meditation techniques to distract yourself from the pain. Applying a hot or cold compress, avoiding inflammation-causing foods, and massaging the area causing pain may help reduce your discomfort.
For more information on what you should do if you experience breakthrough pain, talk to your Tulsa Pain physician today!
Tulsa Pain is a multi-location pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 855-918-PAIN or click on our “Request An Appointment” tab to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
