Pain Management in Austin

Chronic pain is one of the most common health issues experienced by adults in the United States. The symptoms and side effects of chronic pain may lead to a reduced quality of life and difficulty coping with daily stressors. Individuals with chronic pain have an increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). 

Driftwood Recovery treats SUD and co-occurring conditions, including chronic pain, using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. Pain management is essential to ongoing recovery for individuals living with chronic conditions. Treatment options include comprehensive pain management in Austin, Texas, provided by pain management specialists with the support of board-certified pain doctors. 

Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Impact on Quality of Life

Chronic pain manifests in different ways. Some individuals experience constant pain, while others may have pain or discomfort that comes and goes. According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), “Chronic pain can last for weeks, months, or even years” and is “linked to anxiety and depression, and it can limit people’s ability to work or do other activities.” 

Approximately 1 in 12 people in the United States experience chronic pain at some time in their lives. Low back pain is one of the most common causes of chronic health issues. A personalized treatment plan and effective pain treatment reduce the risk of relapse by helping individuals manage their co-occurring chronic pain.

How Pain Affects the Nervous System and Brain Function

Chronic pain alters how the nervous system transmits pain signals to the brain. Medical conditions that cause nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy may cause significant changes to the brain. According to MedlinePlus, “Damaged nerves may not carry messages correctly, or they may not work at all.” Due to the physical effects of nerve damage, “you may have pain, trouble walking, or a variety of other problems, depending on which nerves are involved.” 

Chronic pain involving nerve damage is a risk factor for substance abuse. Some individuals may use substances to self-medicate and manage the pain, or they might become addicted to prescribed medications. 

The Importance of Pain Management for Improved Quality of Life

Chronic pain causes physical and emotional distress. Finding healthy ways to manage pain will improve clients’ quality of life and reduce their risk of relapse. A whole-person approach to treatment benefits individuals with multiple health conditions. Driftwood Recovery integrates various patient-centered alternative therapies and services, including physical therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and low-stress fitness exercises. 

Using holistic pain management improves treatment outcomes by doing the following:

• Addressing the root causes of the pain through various techniques
• Enhancing mental health through biofeedback and other methodologies 
• Improving client engagement in treatment 
• Strengthening healthy coping strategies
• Providing tailored treatment
• Supporting long-term recovery by addressing cycles of chronic pain 

Medications also play a role in pain relief. Holistic therapies may reduce reliance on prescription pain medication. Clinicians typically employ a combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments to manage symptoms related to chronic conditions. 

Prescription Medications and Their Role in Pain Relief

Driftwood Recovery uses interventional pain management techniques and prescription medications to help clients manage chronic pain. Clients may be referred to pain specialists to ensure they receive appropriate care to address their level of pain. 

Not everyone benefits from prescription medications. Individuals recovering from substance abuse may want to avoid any form of pain medication to reduce the risk of relapse. The clinical team collaborates closely with clients and their primary care providers to ensure that clients receive consistent pain management throughout every stage of treatment and ongoing recovery. 

Advanced Therapies: Stimulation Techniques and Psychotherapy for Pain Management

Nerve stimulation is one pain management method that provides quick and profound relief for many clients. Stimulating the nerves using specific techniques or tools can override pain signals to the brain and minimize certain types of chronic pain. Clients can work with the care team to discuss the various forms of nerve stimulation and determine if any of them will relieve their pain. 

Psychotherapy and Mental Health Support for Pain-Related Anxiety and Stress

Learning to effectively manage emotional distress improves physical and emotional health. Many individuals with substance use disorder have co-occurring conditions impacting their emotional well-being. Navigating dual diagnosis is easier with the support of individual or group therapy. 

Psychotherapy is essential in the treatment of emotional distress, physical pain, and addiction. Therapy helps clients make crucial connections between their emotional reactions and physical symptoms. Clients can learn to regulate their emotions and stress responses to minimize chronic pain. 

The Driftwood Difference: Experience Exceptional Pain Management in Austin, Texas

Driftwood Recovery uses compassionate treatments and support services to educate clients and their families on the effects of pain management on addiction recovery. The complex relationship between chronic pain and addiction makes it essential for clients to truly understand how the two conditions affect one another and the best ways to address both simultaneously. 

Driftwood’s Comprehensive Pain Clinic: Integrating Health and Wellness

Clients at Driftwood Recovery can benefit from the comprehensive pain clinic offered by our expert pain management team. Some of the conditions we help clients manage include:

• Neck pain
• Joint pain
• Spinal stenosis
• Lower back pain
• Additional chronic pain conditions

The personalized programs ensure clients have access to essential services for relieving pain and improving mental health. Spinal cord stimulation, other specialized forms of pain medicine, and a multidisciplinary approach to pain management can help people achieve a pain-free life. The clinical team addresses underlying causes of chronic pain through comprehensive healthcare and referrals to pain management specialists in the greater Austin area. Our referral process ensures that clients receive the best care possible at the pain center that best meets their needs. 

Long-Term Support and Pain Management: Aftercare and Community Integration Programs

Driftwood Recovery in North Austin offers long-term support through our community integration program (CIP), aftercare planning, and alumni services. Individuals with chronic pain may benefit from participating in the integration program, which provides them with additional accountability and compassionate support during the early stages of ongoing recovery. Clients can also utilize our aftercare planning to obtain referrals to pain management programs and implement lifestyle changes that address the underlying causes of chronic pain.

Comprehensive pain management allows clients to focus more fully on rebuilding their lives and developing skills for managing substance use disorder. Driftwood Recovery provides pain management services and offers referrals to outside resources, ensuring clients receive appropriate and effective care. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (512) 759-8330.