Modern pain management includes a combination of therapies and non-invasive techniques for many chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

1. Drug-free Approaches to Relieve Chronic Pain

2. With the risks of treating chronic pain with opioids, the focus has shifted to non-invasive
treatments. The new guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
strongly discourage doctors from prescribing opiate painkillers for back pain, arthritis,
migraine, and other chronic conditions. Modern pain management includes a combination of
therapies and non-invasive coping techniques.
The “gate control theory” which originated in the 1960s is a major development in the field of
pain management. According to this theory, the spinal cord houses a neurological "gate" that
can block pain signals or allow them to continue on to the brain. This theory suggests that pain
signals can be blocked from reaching the brain by sending alternate signals through these
pathways. This has led to the development of various non-invasive alternatives to painkilling
medication.
Non-invasive Treatments for Chronic Pain
In a professional pain management center, non-invasive techniques are used alone or in
combination with medication. They consist of pharmacological, non-pharmacological,
psychological and physical modalities.
Pharmacological treatments: These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, anti-seizure medications, and corticosteroids.
Non-pharmacological treatments include:
 Physical therapy exercises stretch the sore muscles, increase their flexibility, and
improve function
 Chiropractic adjustment is a pain relief option for muscles, joints, bones, and
connective tissue. It involves hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative
treatments to properly align the musculoskeletal structure and relieve pain.
 Massage therapy can relieve stress, relax tightened muscles, and increase
endorphins which are chemicals that interact with the opiate receptors in the
brain to reduce the perception of pain.
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3. Physical modalities include:
 Non-surgical spinal decompression involves the use of special equipment to apply
distraction forces to treat disc injuries in the neck and lower back, and address
pain.
 Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to increase blood flow, and reduce
inflammation or swelling.
 Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-voltage electrical
current to relieve acute and chronic pain.
 Heat or cold therapy: Ice is used if the area is red, swollen, inflamed, or if for an
acute injury to cool the area down and check inflammation. Heat is typically to
increase blood flow or circulation in an area, which improves tissue elasticity or
flexibility
Psychological therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy and multidisciplinary
rehabilitation
Pain treatment is available in multispecialty health care centers in New York. Choosing an
established center will ensure customized care. In such centers, pain management doctors will
work with other healthcare specialists to diagnose the patient’s condition, develop an
appropriate treatment plan, and ensure comprehensive care to relieve pain, improve function
and mobility, and enhance quality of life.
Choose the Right Pain Management Center
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