Understanding the Severity of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common condition that affects a large range of patients for various reasons. This type of pain is defined as persistent pain that lasts longer than three months and prevents patients from living comfortably. Chronic pain patients often experience constant discomfort, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing essential daily tasks. Patients with chronic pain also may struggle to vocalize their pain since it is heavily linked to the nervous system and can travel to the extremities.
As soon as patients recognize chronic pain, they should promptly consult their doctor to undergo physical examination and medical imaging. This will allow the doctor to identify the source of the chronic pain and help the patient find a meaningful solution.
Chronic pain is one of the most common workplace injuries, especially in the spine. It also affects a wide range of individuals – from those who work physically demanding jobs to those who sit at a desk. Regardless of the cause, our team at BEST firmly believes that all patients with chronic pain deserve quality treatment.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be caused by a variety of factors, both physical and psychological. One common cause is musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, which leads to inflammation and damage in the joints. Additionally, injuries from accidents or repetitive strain can result in long-lasting pain that persists even after the initial injury has healed. Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or shingles can also produce chronic pain symptoms.
Understanding the specific cause of the condition can play a huge role in helping patients determine a treatment path. Patients who believe they have chronic pain should find a quality specialist to guide them through this difficult process.
At-Home Therapies to Minimize Chronic Pain
Before considering medications or physical therapy, patients may consider at-home therapies to minimize chronic pain. After being diagnosed with chronic pain, patients should consider implementing healthy lifestyle changes. Below you can find common at-home therapies to minimize chronic pain symptoms.
Using Medication to Manage Discomfort
Various types of medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be utilized to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to carefully assess each patient’s unique situation, taking into account factors such as the underlying cause of pain, severity of symptoms, and potential risks associated with long-term medication use.
Switch to Low-Impact Exercise
Switching to low-impact exercise is a crucial strategy during treatment as it helps to reduce stress on the joints and minimize chronic pain. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking are gentle on the body while still promoting overall strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. By incorporating these activities into a daily routine, individuals with chronic pain can improve their physical fitness without worsening their condition.
Practice Stretching to Improve Range of Motion
Stretching is a key component in managing chronic pain, as it helps to improve flexibility, increase circulation, and reduce muscle stiffness. By incorporating regular stretching exercises into a daily routine, individuals can alleviate tension in muscles, joints, and connective tissues that may be contributing to their chronic pain.
Using Hot and Cold Compresses Help Sore Muscles
When applied to the affected area, heat compresses work by improving circulation, relaxing muscles, and reducing stiffness – all of which can alleviate discomfort caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. On the other hand, cold compresses help numb the area, reduce inflammation, and slow down nerve impulses responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain.
Minimize Chronic Pain with Your Doctor
If at-home therapies prove to be ineffective, patients should visit their primary care physician to learn about the next steps. Depending on testing, the doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan often consisting of physical therapy, prescribed pain medications, and steroidal injections. If patients explore these options and they still experience chronic pain, the doctor may suggest surgical intervention.
Spinal Cord Stimulation to Minimize Chronic Pain
Spinal cord stimulation is a surgically implanted medical device that helps patients minimize chronic pain. This works by sending low electrical pulses to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. For patients who have been diagnosed with chronic pain and can’t seem to find meaningful relief, spinal cord stimulation may be the next step.
BEST Health System is a modern healthcare brand specializing in the treatment of pain management. If you have been diagnosed with chronic pain or another chronic condition, contact us today.
