If anyone strains or hurts their back when lifting weights and the pain persists for over four weeks, it’s essential not to take it lightly, shared Dr Babita Ghai, in-charge of the pain clinic in PGIMER, on the concluding day of the Interventional Procedures and Neuromodulation Workshop for pain management (InProNeuromod 2023).
Similarly, if anyone encounters numbness in the painful region, increased urination, a sensation of cold, or a prickling feeling, it’s time to be alert because these are potential signs of chronic pain, an intense condition that can persist even without a visible wound or after a wound has healed, said Dr Ghai on the commencement day of the medical workshop on Saturday.
Professor Babita Ghai emphasised that seeking a massage from untrained individuals, when experiencing pain, can be perilous. Consequently, when symptoms arise, it is imperative to promptly consult a specialist. She also noted that chronic pain can persist anywhere from three months to 30 years. To address this, a combination of medications and diverse therapies is employed for treatment.
Ghai clarified that pain following surgery is categorised as acute pain, and it typically subsides once the wound has healed. However, persistent pain without an associated wound may signal an underlying medical condition, impacting one’s quality of life and potentially leading to increased mental stress. She further noted that lifestyle changes are often a key factor contributing to such conditions.
{{/usCountry}}Ghai clarified that pain following surgery is categorised as acute pain, and it typically subsides once the wound has healed. However, persistent pain without an associated wound may signal an underlying medical condition, impacting one’s quality of life and potentially leading to increased mental stress. She further noted that lifestyle changes are often a key factor contributing to such conditions.
{{/usCountry}}At the pain clinic at PGI, patients experiencing such conditions are offered a range of treatment options, which are determined through a multimodal approach, added Ghai.
She emphasised that the involvement of both physiotherapists and psychiatrists plays a crucial role in addressing this ailment. It’s important to note that the treatment of this condition often requires a multidisciplinary approach and cannot be resolved solely by a specialist.
Ghai recommended specific ergonomic adjustments to reduce the risk of painful conditions. When working on a laptop or desktop, ensure that the upper part of the screen is positioned at a 90-degree angle to your line of sight, and similarly, the mouse should be at a 90-degree angle.
When using a mobile phone, avoid bending your neck; instead, lower your gaze to the screen, she added.
Additionally, cultivate the practice of approaching people for face-to-face conversations rather than relying on chat messages. This encourages body flexibility and keeps muscles engaged, reducing the likelihood of experiencing pain.
Yoga, meditation and deep breathing help in relieving stress and keeping the mind calm. Which prevents conditions like back pain, suggested Babita Ghai.
The workshop, organised by the department of anaesthesia and intensive care, PGIMER, in collaboration with department of anaesthesia and pain management at Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, and the renowned Pain Relief Foundation Liverpool, garnered significant attention within the medical community for its comprehensive approach to pain management techniques and interventions.
International faculty members from Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore and the United States shared their profound expertise in minimally invasive pain and spine interventions(MIPSI), contributing to an enriching and intellectually stimulating atmosphere throughout the event.