Medical Pain
Management Techniques
In addition to drug therapies and electrical stimulation (which some health professionals urge caution for post polio individuals), there is a growing acceptance of a wider range of medical treatments for pain. Insurance companies are also increasing coverage for pain treatments. The following are some types of treatment found by many to ease pain. Acupuncture is a Chinese method of treatment where fine needles are inserted into relevant points to stimulate activity, with the body releasing endorphins and steroids to lessen pain. Most professionals believe that if there is a benefit, it should begin to be seen within 3 or 4 visits. Acupressure combines massage and acupuncture. Instead of needles, the hands place pressure on the body. Aromatherapy consists of using highly scented plant oils, by either massaging into a painful area or inhaling the aroma. Eucalyptus is often used for headaches and muscular pain, marjoram for migraines, and lavender for stress. Osteopathy usually involves manipulation of the affected part of the body, often for low back pain. Myofascial release and cranio sacral therapy are specialized massage and touching techniques, performed by trained therapists, and in addition to easing pain, may also help ease stiffness. ——————————————————New President Welcome to our new PPSGM President- Sharon Antoniuc! Sharon has been on our Board of Directors for several years, and is also the co-chair for the Portland Regional Support Group. She’s recently moved into a new home in Durham that includes many accessibility features. She’d love to hear from you, so feel free to call her at 1-207-865-0078 or write her at the at 29 Smith Farm Rd, Durham, ME 04222. The Regional Support Group in Portland usually meets the last Saturday of the month at the N. E. Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland. For more information, you may call either Sharon at the number above or Nancy Stambach at 283-3732. |
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Guides on Disability Laws
There is a helpful pamphlet “A Guide to Disability Rights Laws” published by the Department of Justice. You may call 1-800-514-0301 or visit the website at www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm. Also, the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization offers brochures on ADA, air travel, and housing. You may call 1-888-860-7244, e-mail infor@pva.org or visit the website at www.pva.org. We’ve been receiving a great little magazine, “Special Living”, which covers a wide variety of articles for those with special needs, and often has an article specifically for those with post-polio syndrome. For further information or to subscribe, you may call 309-820-9277 or visit the website at www.SpeciaLiving.com. The current subscription rate is $12.00/year. Sebastiao Salgado recently published The End of Polio, offering a chronicle of the global initiative to eradicate polio. It includes firsthand accounts of the impact of polio, history of the disease, and efforts to vaccinate children throughout the world. For more information, or to purchase a book, you may contact AOL Time Warner Book Group, Sports Illustrated Building, Attn: Carol Meadows, 135 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10020, call 212-522-8112 or e-mail carol.meadows@aoltwbg.com. Maine RX Plus - For a complete list of pharmacies participating in the program, you may check the website www.ghsinc.com/ghs_com/rxplusfiles.jsp. If you wish to apply for the program or check eligibility requirements, you may call the toll-free number 1-866-796-2463. How to monitor our daily activities
According to Dr. Richard Bruno, if anything you do causes fatigue, weakness or pain, don’t do it (or do less of it!) Take daily rest breaks, pace your days, plan ahead, add additional aids (such as bracing), and eat a nutritional diet. These may all help preserve or even increase stamina. |
