Pain can be complicated, as we discussed in part I of our pain management series, so managing it often takes more than one approach. During National Pain Awareness Month in September, we’re taking a closer look at common pain management options that can help people make informed decisions about their care and better support a friend or loved one who may be living with pain.
“There’s no one medication or treatment that works best for everyone,” says Troy Tada, D.O., an anesthesiology and pain management specialist. “Medicine is about finding the right fit. Many approaches focus less on eliminating pain completely and more on helping people get through the day more comfortably.”
Starting with a conversation
The first step is to talk with your primary care provider (PCP), who can help guide the next steps when pain needs a closer look.
These conversations help determine whether self-care is enough or whether it’s time to explore additional options.
Commonly discussed medication options
Medication is often part of early conversations about managing everyday pain, especially when symptoms start to interfere with daily life. Rather than focusing on a single solution, these discussions typically examine how different medications may or may not fit a person’s overall health, routines, and comfort level.
“Even common medications come with risks,” Dr. Tada notes, which is why these choices are best considered with guidance from a health care provider.
The goal of these conversations isn’t to find a quick fix, but to weigh potential benefits, side effects, and safety based on a person’s health history. For many people, medication is just one part of a broader approach that may change over time as needs, goals, and circumstances evolve.
Topical approaches
Some people are interested in exploring topical options, such as creams or patches applied directly to the skin. These products are sometimes considered when oral medications aren’t a good fit or when discomfort is limited to a specific area. Because topical treatments work differently from other approaches, they may be helpful for some types of pain but aren’t always enough on their own. As with any option, understanding how and when to use topical products—and what to expect from them—is an important part of the conversation with a health care provider.
Hands‑on and movement‑based care
Pain management isn’t limited to medications. Many people also explore hands‑on or movement‑based approaches, such as physical therapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic care. These types of care focus on:
- Helping people stay active.
- Reducing muscle tension.
- Supporting strength and stability.
For short‑term pain, these therapies may help the body recover and move more comfortably. For longer‑lasting pain, results can vary, but physical therapy often plays an important role by strengthening the body around an injury or area of strain.
Rather than trying to “fix” pain outright, these therapies tend to focus on helping people do more of what they need (and want) to do.
When pain becomes chronic
Pain that lasts longer than expected, typically beyond three months, is often considered chronic. Unlike acute injuries, chronic pain may persist even after the original issue has healed.
“That’s when specialists can help identify the source of pain and explore more targeted approaches,” Dr. Tada explains.
Chronic pain often changes the mix of options that are considered and may involve more than one kind of support over time.
The role of communication and expectations
No matter the approach, communication plays a central role in pain management. Understanding how treatments are intended to help, and what they can and can’t do, helps set realistic expectations.
Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or changes in vision should always be shared with a health care provider. Open communication allows providers to adjust treatment safely over time. “A lot of what we need to know comes from the patient,” Dr. Tada says. “We just have to listen.”
Finding what fits
There’s no single way to manage pain. What works well for one person may not work the same way for another, and approaches may change over time.
Understanding common options and the goals behind them can help people take an active role in conversations about their care and find approaches that support how they want to live.
Pain management is about more than relief. It’s about finding safe, thoughtful ways to support daily life, movement, and well-being one conversation at a time.
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