Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can severely affect your quality of life. Pain is something that should be discussed with a health-care provider regardless of whether it is mild, persistent, sharp, or severe. One technique in a clinical trial now is called TDCS or Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation which is a small electric current applied to your head that affects pain centers deep within the brain somehow muffling the perception of pain. So far the main side effect is scalp irritation.
Certain prescription medications that treat pain are known to be addictive. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance suddenly is stopped. Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time. Addiction and physical dependence often occur together. Opioids, including codeine, oxycodone and morphine, can be addictive.
Alternative and integrative treatments for severe pain are becoming more popular and should be integrated with conventional medical care.
see: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/21/eveningnews/main3858729.shtml
