11 Ways To Deal With Acute Pain

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Acute pain | Hataitai Osteopaths | Wellington Osteopathy

What to do when theres no one to call... and how your Osteopath can help.

Sudden pain

Sudden pain is scary! Often the pain is far worse than the force that caused it. Often people are frightened - stay calm and grounded, notice your 5 senses so you can concentrate on what you need to do to help yourself.

Suggestions for pain symptoms

Management of musculoskeletal disorders varies considerably depending on the severity and duration of symptoms. Here's some good suggestions:

  • How to relieve pain

Anti inflammatories and pain relief – It is important to reduce your pain to a bearable level so you can move and sleep. Nurofen, Voltaren and Paracetamol are common favourites – follow instructions on the box or consult your pharmacist or doctor. Long term use can be contraindicated.

  • Shock

Shock can be an important part of your injury Arnica 30c or 200c and Rescue Remedy can relieve the shock in your musculoskeletal system and allow faster pain relief and healing to occur. Start with oral form and then use cream if needed.

  • Natural pain relief and anti-inflammatories

These are usually more useful in less severe pain situations but can help take the edge off:

  1. Avoid stimulants - alcohol, coffee, sugar etc. 

  2. Eat healthy - whole foods and plenty of vegetables

  3. Take tumeric - a heaped teaspoon in water 2 x per day or in supplement form

  • Rest and movement

Pain needs rest (20 mins minimum) but also movement such as walking and simple exercises.

Good rest positions:

  1. Semi-supine position – this is a fantastic position after falls or travelling and experiencing different beds , it is also an exercise to correct and train posture

  2. Lie on your back on the floor with lower legs on sofa

  • Hot and cold packs

Cold packs are especially useful for recent injuries because it limits the amount of swelling and tissue damage and allows healing nutrients to get to the injury. Hot and cold packs (alternating 5 mins of hot then cold) are useful after 24 hours to encourage healing.

  • Splinting

Today there are fantastic neck, ankle, knee, wrist etc braces available from larger chemists. Also google to rent wheel chairs, crutches and other mobility aides short term.

  • Strapping

There are now many easy to follow diagrams available on line - ask your chemist which tape to use for limb injuries but leave spinal injuries to the trained practitioners.

  • Sleeping

Get as much sleep as possible! If you need pain relief to sleep take pain it. To get comfortable try a pillow under your knees if lying on back and between knees if lying on your side.

  • See your osteopaths

At Hataitai Osteopaths we have decades of experience treating acute pain and can diagnose and manage conditions arising from the musculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, tendons, cartilage, bones, ligaments and other connective tissues, and the nerves controlling them. Ring us or book your appointment online. Some injuries need a hospital or doctor visit first but call us if you are unsure as we can advise you on this. We are also able to refer for x-rays, ultra sound and apply for ACC cover.