According to the CDC, around 20.4% of adults in America experience chronic pain; that's around 50 million people. Additionally, 8% are experiencing high-impact chronic pain, meaning the pain is experienced most days, if not every day. 

More and more Americans are searching for ways to alleviate their pain without having to resort to taking pain pills. In this day and age, there is a wealth of opportunities for pain management afforded to those in the market for it.

1. Interventional injections services

For more severe instances, many people choose interventional injections to assist with pain management. These can be given at the moment of pain, but they can also be scheduled via appointment as a preventative practice. Various pain-relieving drugs can be injected through the skin. Possible sites include the knees, back, hips, buttocks, and even ankles. These may be injected into the muscle (intramuscular injection) or even injected into the joint itself (intra-articular injection) if the subject is experiencing joint pain. Injections are typically faster than pain-relieving drugs taken by mouth, due to their ability to bypass the stomach and arrive straight at the pain site.

2. Massage

Massage has long been used as a way to alleviate minor aches and pains. The act of massage relaxes the muscles, and repeated massage helps the body stay more relaxed. Massage packages can include the use of hot stones or essential oils, adding extra health and pain-relieving benefits. The massage therapist will assess the body's pain sites and can focus heavily on specified areas by request.

3. Physical Therapy

For those who find that their pain is on the more extreme side, physical therapy may be the way to go. Your physical therapist will work with you to figure out where the problem areas are and which activities make it better or worse, and they can draw up an exercise plan tailored to your needs. Some therapists even offer water therapy, which will allow the body time to practice therapeutic exercise without the initial hindrance of gravity. 

4. Go For Walks

Though it is tempting to stay in bed, remaining stationary in the face of pain is ill-advised in any circumstance. The first thing a doctor will suggest to any patient for nearly any ailment is exercise. Even exercise as light as participating in daily walks, with or without a partner, can be good for chronic pain. While not necessarily guaranteed to alleviate the pain, it is a good place to start for any person experiencing discomfort. 

If you are experiencing chronic pain, contact a professional such as Joel D Stein DO PA.