Pain and Spasticity

Management without pills

 

Following on from an article in the Summer 2016 condition of the website on pain management http://www.hspersunite.org.au/severe-pain-and-hsp/ here is a follow-up talking about pain and spasticity management without pills.

 

Often descriptions of HSP don’t mention pain, but given the HSP gait pattern, influenced by weak and spastic muscles, difficulty with balance, foot misuse and/or inappropriate spinal movement patterns, it doesn’t take too much imagination to appreciate that HSP can cause pain. Doctor prescribed painkillers offer relief for some but not for everyone or in every circumstance, and can be used safely only for relatively short periods.

 

Here is a webinar produced in October 2016 titled Pain and Spasticity Management Without Pills. It comes from the United Spinal Association. The two presenters are very knowledgeable and at the end of the webinar they offer their email addresses for those who have further questions.

 

 

This hour long webinar includes:

 

 Time                                 Topic

(min:sec)

6:00                          Introduction and Objectives

 

8:00                         Types of chronic pain

 

11:30                        Types of spasticity

 

13:00                        Types of treatment options

 

15:45                        Alternative therapies

 

18:00                        Coping strategies that help with pain

 

20:15                        Acupuncture

 

22:00                       Hypnosis

 

23:15                        Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

 

25:00                       TENS/MET

 

29:50                        PENS (for deeper delivery)

 

31:30                        IDDS (implanted drug delivery systems)

 

32:55                       SCS (Spinal cord Stimulation)

 

34:30                       Pain support groups

 

37:00                      Alternatives (including 39:00 light therapy for increased circulation; 40:00 transcranial direct current stimulation)

 

42:45                      Investigational devices (including whole body vibration for spasticity)

 

48:40                     Considerations for pain/spasticity management

 

50:45                     Additional Resources (this website looks especially helpful)   http://www.paintoolkit.org/

 

52:30                    Q&A

 

This webinar and the included additional resources offer a wealth of information on pain and spasticity management. There may not be one easy answer for getting a handle on your pain but you can learn of options and be much better informed if you’re working with a doctor or pain management specialist. If working independently, this information will help you gain some control of your pain and make some improvements.