Jack Miletic is a spine physician and pain management specialist located in Delray Beach. In the following article, Jack discusses why everyone has a unique response to pain, as well as four effective techniques that pain sufferers can use in order to eliminate symptoms.
Pain is an unpleasant occurrence that affects us all differently. How we perceive pain, the way we react to it and the strategies used for managing its effects vary between every person. This makes treating pain effectively a difficult and complex process, as what will work for one person may not necessarily be effective at all for another.
Jack Miletic explains that this is exactly why it’s essential to delve into personalized approaches for managing both chronic and acute discomforts.
Pain Individualized
Jack Miletic notes that pain is a complex and subjective experience, so it’s no surprise that everyone experiences it differently. Factors such as age, gender, psychological state, genetics, and lifestyle all have an impact on how we interpret and respond to pain. For example, a 25-year-old may find relief with over-the-counter medication, while a 75-year-old may require something stronger.
An individual’s reaction to pain has varied levels of tolerance as well. While some individuals may be able to manage their discomfort with slow breaths or mindfulness exercises, others won’t be able to find any relief through these methods. Jack Miletic says that it’s essential to keep in mind that just as our likes and preferences differ, so do our tolerances to injuries, pain, and managing symptoms.
Why Do People Have Different Tolerance Levels
Pain tolerance is largely driven by genetics, similar to other biological processes. However, research has revealed that even those with identical genetic makeup can have varying pain thresholds depending on their environment—with trauma or stress being two of the major influencing factors.
Furthermore, Jack Miletic explains that individuals may demonstrate a higher resilience to pain due to their prolonged encounters with discomfort. Known as ‘pain tolerance adaptation’, this phenomenon can be witnessed in people struggling from long-term issues such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Most Popular Pain Management Techniques
When it comes to managing pain, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Jack Miletic provides four techniques that have been proven effective for many that are worth trying:
Medication
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are designed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in many different scenarios. These powerful remedies provide reliable short-term relief from mild to moderate discomfort, making them a great choice for temporary use.
For those with more extreme or persistent pain, a doctor may suggest stronger prescriptions such as opioids and muscle relaxants. Jack Miletic reports that it’s essential to maintain caution when using these medications though, since they have the potential for addiction and various side effects.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help to reduce pain and improve overall health. Exercise releases endorphins, hormones that act as natural painkillers, and can help to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow and mobility. Low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga are especially beneficial for managing chronic pain.
Jack Miletic maintains that it’s important to choose an exercise routine that works for you, and then to start slowly. Talk to a doctor about what types of activities are safe, and how much exercise is recommended.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapies offer a powerful combination to reduce muscle pain, swelling, and inflammation. Jack Miletic explains that heat therapy relaxes tight muscles while cold soothes soreness and reduces any discomfort due to swelling; when used together the results are unbeatable!
When it comes to utilizing hot and cold therapy, there are a variety of options available: hot/cold compresses, warm baths, ice packs, and saunas. A physician can assist in determining the most appropriate type of therapy for an individual’s needs, as well as how frequently those treatments should take place.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the act of being in the here and now, attentively recognizing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgement. Jack Miletic explains that through mindfulness exercises, pain sufferers can not only decrease stress caused by their pain, but also raise the capacity to cope with it proficiently.
Practicing mindfulness can be as simple as focusing on breathing patterns or repeating a mantra to oneself. There are also many apps and online resources available to help anyone looking to get started with mindfulness techniques.
Final Thoughts
Everyone’s pain levels differ, so it is essential to create a personalized treatment plan. With the right knowledge of your own individual pain tolerance and utilizing these various approaches to managing discomfort, individuals can reduce their suffering from symptoms while enhancing their overall quality of life.
As always, before beginning any of these treatment options, be sure to discuss these recommendations with your doctor. Personalized methods, or a combination of methods may be the best way to manage pain.
