Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Chronic pain treatment

The primary aim of a chronic pain treatment program is to alleviate pain, enhancing the quality of life rather than completely eradicating the pain. It’s important to understand that chronic pain cannot be cured with medications like opioids. Opioids can be addictive and may increase your nervous system’s sensitivity to pain, reducing pain sensation while increasing pain sensitivity.

Pain management specialists recommend a comprehensive approach to manage chronic pain effectively:

• Consult a Sleep Specialist: Quality sleep is crucial for managing pain.

• Pain Processing Therapy: This form of cognitive behavioral therapy helps rewire the brain’s experience with pain.

• Physical Therapy: Commit to regular physical therapy sessions.

• Exercise and Treatment: Incorporate movement, heat, and cold treatments to address pain, strengthen muscles, ligaments, and joints, and improve mobility.

• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Use a TENS device, which sends gentle electrical currents across the skin to scramble pain signals.

• Exercise Specialist Consultation: Work with a specialist to develop a tailored exercise plan.

• Mindfulness and Hypnosis: Practice mindfulness to observe and detach from the negative emotions associated with pain. Hypnosis can be an effective mindfulness activity.

Support for Jewish Seniors

Jewish seniors face unique challenges when transitioning to elder-care communities, losing not only their homes and friends but also their cultural ties. Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, steps in to support 450 Jewish residents across fifty senior facilities with room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more. This organization promotes inclusion, welcoming seniors of all faiths into their programs. Learn more at JewishPavilion.org.

Orlando Senior Help Desk

The Orlando Senior Help Desk assists thousands of callers, easing caregiver stress and providing guidance on a wide range of elder issues. Contact them at 407-678-9363 or visit OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org for more information.