Ways to treat pain w/o meds?

sharann, BSN, RN · May 7, 2006

Some pain needs meds period. I don't know what kind of pain you mean. Chronic, acute, post surg?

It would help to know more about the patient.

Position changes and heat/cold are adjuncts to pain management as is climate control. Dimming lights, limiting noxious smells and loud noises helps I believe. Some people use armoatherapy and massage as well as meditation or even acupuncture.

Of course this is what I know in general.

GEMINI06 · May 7, 2006

What kind of pain? Chronic, acute? What age? I took a complimentary therapy class this last semester that suggested several ways to help people cope with pain, everything from guided imagery to acupuncture. We also got certified in theraputic touch, which helps to lower stress and anxiety and has been shown to help people cope better with pain. If you work in a hospital, check the policies before administering any complimentary therapies. However, I am a huge fan of trying anything to help a patient feel more comfortable when meds just don't cut it or are not what the pt. wants! Quiet music, holding a hand, light massage or touch, anything that helps a person to better qualify and quantify their own pain, and makes them feel in control of it is sure to help. Best of Luck!

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · May 7, 2006

Sometimes even a simple thing like gentle repositioning can help.

I recall learning from a fantastic ortho nurse how to pull the sheets taut under an immobilized hip fx patient without disturbing the traction (by pushing the mattress down and then pulling the sheet), and how amazed I was to see that there was an immediate improvement in the patient's pain level. To the extent that she didn't need the pain medication!

Never forgot that, and even today, when I do my assessment, I include an assessment of the ortho patient's body alignment and the smoothness of the surface they're lying on, along with the pain rating question.

mommy2boys · May 7, 2006

Sorry I should have been more clear. I was talking about when a patient is having moderate break through pain. The patient doesn't want to take more meds right then or their next dose isn't for an hour or so.

Thanks.