Pain Management

What Is Pain?

Pain is an uncomfortable feeling that tells you something may be wrong in your body. Pain is your body's way of sending a warning to your brain. Pain can be an important indicator of problems, but controlling pain can be just as important.

Pain management can help you:

• Experience greater comfort while you heal.


• Get well faster. With less pain, you can start walking, do breathing exercises, and get your strength back more quickly. You may even leave the hospital sooner.


• Avoid problems. People whose pain is well controlled seem to do better after surgery. They may avoid some problems, such as pneumonia and blood clots.


• Improve quality of life.

Both medication and non-medication treatments can help prevent and control pain. You and your doctors and nurses will decide which ones are right for you. Many people combine two or more methods to get greater relief.

Medication Treatment

Pain medicine can be in the form of a pill, shot, suppository or intrathecal or nerve block.

Non-Medication Treatment

You can help control your pain. It is helpful to know what your treatment plan will be while you are in the hospital. By doing deep breathing and relaxing exercises you can feel more in control. Your physician can suggest other alternatives to help control your pain.

Contact Us

Want to learn more about pain management options and what OSF St. Francis can offer you as a patient? Please give us a call at (906) 786-5707 x5100.