Pain Control: Electrical Stimulation
A recent advance in relieving or controlling pain is the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS). When the individual wearing the TENS unit turns it on, a low level of electricity is applied to designated areas of the body, sometimes producing a tingling sensation. The unit may be kept on a few minutes or a few hours, according to the needs of the individual. The size of the TENS units ranges from about the size of a package of cigarettes to larger devices used in medical centers.
Massage
Massage relieves tension and provides relaxation to the affected area. Deep kneading or gentle circular motions may be appropriate for different individuals and for different types of aches. For some areas of the body such as hands, knees, feet and neck, self-massage may be possible; for other areas, assistance of a partner or professional masseur may be necessary.
Drugs
There are many approved drugs from which your physician can choose. Aspirin is the most commonly prescribed drug. There are also alternatives to aspirin, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as gold salts, penicillamine, antimalarials, painkillers, uric acid-lowering drugs, steroids, and experimental drugs that are used only in some research centers.