Managing Chronic Pain

All of us have experienced acute pain from an injury or surgery. The pain provoked a visit to a doctor, the diagnosis was made, treatment was provided, and the pain disappeared after some time. This is hardly the course with chronic pain. The pain lingers and becomes harder to deal with as time passes. The enduring nature of chronic pain is the worst part and results in changes to the patient's attitude about ever getting healthy again. Chronic pain presents dramatic behaviors fueled by the patient's frustrations at the persistence of pain, and extensive lifestyle disruptions, such as limiting the patient's ability to work. These chronic pain events play on patients' minds and the loved ones supporting them, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects become more prevalent and interfere with their daily existence. As if these consequences are not enough, chronic pain leads to changes in the function of the patient's nervous system, almost assuring that the pain will persist.

One of the key elements of chronic pain management is the evaluation of the patient to establish what is causing the pain. This process must investigate all dimensions of the patient's being, including the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual realms. The physical examination must include muscle, joint, and nerve changes related to the original injury or cause or limitations induced by the ongoing pain. Laboratory test results do not prove the intensity or presence of pain nor support the patient's perceived or actual disability. We do not have a numerical guide like high blood pressure values or blood sugar levels to measure the impact of chronic pain on the patient's life. The use of number scales to assess chronic pain does not dig far enough into how much chronic pain affects a patient's life.

Chronic pain is rarely cured, so the patient must accept it as managing a disease, like asthma or diabetes. The overall goal of pain treatment must be to decrease the intensity and frequency of the pain so that quality of life and ability to function can be enriched. Currently, the physicians trained in pain are using minimal invasive, interventional approaches like nerve blocks and ablation procedures, as well as neuromodulation techniques like peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and brain stimulation. Physicians in certain cases are recommending the use of marijuana and associated interventions. The use of medicines alone will not be successful. Pain medicines have many side effects including dependence and addiction. Physical therapy like yoga, meditation, and other treatments can address the disease elements of chronic pain.

I have been suffering from chronic pain for many years. I will strive through my blogs to provide and discuss some of the emerging chronic pain treatments. Summitcrestseniorcare.ca and underlyte.com are two websites you may follow for my insights, research, and stories shared by fellow chronic pain sufferers.