Ted Talk with Elliot Krane
We think of pain as a symptom, but there are cases where the nervous system develops feedback loops and pain becomes a terrifying disease in itself. Starting with the story of a girl whose sprained wrist turned into a nightmare, Elliot Krane talks about the complex mystery of chronic pain, and reviews the facts we’re just learning about how it works and how to treat it.
First step in treating Pain
Learn as much as you can about pain in order to find the most effective treatment. Look at the mind body connection. Are there any underlying issues contributing to pain in the body. Look at reducing your overall stress in conjunction with good nutrition.
Acute pain and Chronic pain
You may have had pain for a few weeks or a few months – this is called Acute pain (e.g. back injury or an ankle sprain). If you have had pain for more than 3 months – this is called Chronic pain.
Opioids no longer recommended
‘Brainman stops his opioids’ holds the succinct message why opioids (narcotics) are no longer recommended for chronic pain management (for non-cancer pain).
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is an implantable pain management device. It involves small flexible electrodes (“leads”) being placed in the epidural space of the spine through needles. Safe electrical pulses are passed through the leads – which creates a powerful pain blocking effect for lower back pain.