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A report by Pain Management Center states that chronic pain, especially in the back and in the head, plagues 60 percent of the populace. This painful condition might be traced back to an injury or to a disease. Whatever the cause, the anguish that it brings can make one do almost anything to have relief and comfort.

People suffering from this recurring desperate condition usually consult pain doctors for ways of alleviating the agonizing pain that they feel. They often go through a procedure which includes a series of tests to establish the reason of the painful condition and of course the prescription of medications to be taken by the patient. Most of the medications prescribed can do wonders in blocking the pain.

This has brought forth a growth of pain clinics. An option has been given to chronic pain sufferers. Physiotherapy offers alternative ways to manage pain and patients are given a choice to cope with the situation without the after-effects of anti-pain medications.

Physiotherapy methods employed in pain management are quite varied but the education component is always included. Patients are not only introduced to techniques to handle pain but also on how to prevent pain through some changes in one's lifestyle. Most people afflicted with chronic pain, excluding those whose conditions are results of injuries and disease, may blame their situation to inactivity, stress or poor posture. Thus, a modification may be done on their diet by incorporating proper nutrition in the education phase of the treatment program. Exercises which will strengthen the body especially the core muscles are also integrated. This will promote good posture which is necessary in averting chronic pain disorders.

Hydrotherapy, another type of chronic pain treatment used in physiotherapy, is a bit easier on the body yet provides the same positive outcome. Whirlpool treatments and hot and cold treatments are very much related to hydrotherapy. These methods are especially good for those patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation are also effective in alleviating pain certain conditions.

Effective pain management entails a joint effort of the physiotherapist and the patient. Other medical practitioners play integral roles in the pain management program but the physiotherapist works with the patient for a longer period of time. The relief from pain brought about by physiotherapy might not be as immediate as with the intake of any oral medication but the effect is sustained. It does only deal with the symptom but it addresses the cause of the pain.