Pain isn’t something most people want in their lives. While it does provide some positive purposes (such as protecting the body from harm, signaling underlying problems, or building resilience), pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer is almost always unwanted. We want to get rid of that kind of suffering as soon as possible because it interferes with our ability to function in our everyday lives.
Are you in pain — especially chronic pain? If so, it’s time to find out what you can do about it.
Are You In Pain? Recognizing Chronic Pain
If you’re experiencing pain long after the injury or illness that triggered it has healed, then you’re likely suffering from chronic pain. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may present as a constant ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or an uncomfortable burning feeling.
Chronic pain can affect every aspect of daily life, including physical abilities and mental health. It can bring basic tasks like sleep, work, and social activities to a standstill. If you’ve been suffering from pain for three months or more, it’s critical to get a proper diagnosis and find some level of relief as soon as possible.
Where to Start: Non-Medical Methods
You can try several non-medical methods to help manage your chronic pain without seeing a doctor, although an expert can guide you through which therapies may work best for your condition. Regular exercise and physical therapy often help improve mobility and function by strengthening muscles, which can reduce the burden on painful joints.
Maintaining a healthy diet is a very significant aspect of pain management. Certain foods are known to increase inflammation in the body, while others can help reduce it. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains are often very helpful in reducing the intensity of chronic pain.
Medical Treatments for Chronic Pain
Medical professionals also frequently use medication to help manage chronic pain, such as over-the-counter products (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) or prescription drugs such as opioids or antidepressants.
Typically, pain management specialists will prescribe some form of physical therapy. They teach their patients gentle movement techniques that lessen pain and improve mobility over time.
They may also take advantage of minimally invasive medical techniques such as:
- Nerve blocks
- Corticosteroid injections
- Radiofrequency ablations
These non-surgical treatments target the actual source of a patient’s pain to provide faster and/or longer lasting relief.
What to Expect From a Pain Management Specialist
If your chronic pain is worsening or becoming unmanageable, it’s time to seek professional help. Look for signs such as increased intensity or frequency of pain, new symptoms, or a decrease in effectiveness of your current pain management strategy.
When you visit a specialist, they’ll likely ask you a series of questions to understand your chronic pain and recommend the best course of treatment. Some of the most common questions include:
About Your Pain
- Describe your pain. Where is it located?
- What is the intensity of the pain on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- What makes the pain better or worse?
- How long have you been experiencing this pain?
About Your Medical History
- Have you been diagnosed with any medical conditions?
- Have you had any surgeries or injuries?
- Are you taking any medications currently?
- What treatments have you tried for your pain in the past?
About the Impact of Pain on Your Life
- How does your pain affect your daily activities?
- Does your pain interfere with your sleep?
- Has your pain caused any emotional distress?
- What are your goals for pain management?
Are YOU in Pain? HPM Can Help
HPM offers compassionate and effective pain management services at small-town clinics across rural America. Our team of highly trained medical practitioners specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide array of painful conditions such as migraines, arthritis, joint problems, spine issues, and many more.
We utilize the latest advancements in medical technology to reduce each patient’s pain as much as possible, providing them with a personalized treatment plan to help them get their everyday life back.
Are you in pain? Visit our website to find a location near you and begin your journey towards relief today.
