(Concern) When I have a problem, should I go to an oriental medicine clinic or a pain medicine department? Where should I go?

I have always had back pain easily in the past.

This time, I ended up with a sore throat, and it's really tough.ㅜ

 

Generally, when we talk about "dam," it refers to a condition where muscle tension or similar issues persist for so long that a lump (trigger point) forms in a part of the muscle, making it impossible to relax the muscle even if you want to. The medical term for this is myofascial pain syndrome.

 

The causes of myofascial pain syndrome include

 

• Incorrect posture: Maintaining a poor posture for a long time can put strain on the muscles, leading to cramps.
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• Excessive exercise: Sudden intense physical activity or overexertion can strain the muscles.
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• Stress: Mental stress can also cause muscle tension.
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• Temperature change: Sudden temperature fluctuations or cold environments can cause muscles to stiffen.

 

I usually come when I can't sleep well.

In those cases, I always end up sleeping in a stiffened state, and when it was really severe, I worked in a cold place during winter, then came home, slept, and woke up with such a stiff back that it was hard to breathe.

 

On cold days, the body tends to tense up, and since the muscles remain contracted, blood circulation can decrease, which is what I heard.

 

As a treatment method

 

1. Rest

Don't overexert yourself and rest sufficiently. Giving your muscles time to recover is important.

 

2. Warm compress

Use a warm compress pad or a warm towel to relax the muscles. It is good to apply it several times a day for about 15-20 minutes each time.

 

3. Stretching

Try stretching gently and slowly. Avoid sudden movements, and stop if you experience severe pain.

 

4. Painkillers

If necessary, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

 

5. Massage

You can relieve muscle tension through professional massages or gentle self-massage.

 

6. Posture correction

It is important to maintain proper posture regularly and especially to keep correct posture when sitting for long periods.

 

There are injection therapy, medication therapy, ligament strengthening therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, manual therapy, and exercise therapy.

 

I usually only received muscle relaxant prescriptions and physical therapy when I went to the hospital, so I don't go to the hospital much anymore. Instead, I take muscle relaxants at home and do stretching, and after about 3-4 days, I usually feel better.

 

However, this time it seems to be on the left side of my neck, so it doesn't seem to be resolving easily and feels like it's taking longer, so I'm thinking I should go to the hospital.

 

Where do you go when you have a sore throat?

 

Should I go to the Korean medicine clinic to get acupuncture?

I'm wondering if I should see a pain medicine specialist.

 

Please let me know if you have ever treated yourself at home and share the method.

Thank you very much~