The Impact of Chronic Pain on Daily Life
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on daily life. Living with this condition can drastically change the way patients live and prevent them from comfortably engaging in exercise and other strenuous activities. Chronic pain often results from an injury, unsuccessful surgery, or an underlying condition. You may be wondering–what is the difference between temporary pain and chronic pain? Chronic pain is described as pain that lasts longer than three months and does not improve through the use of simple methods like hot/cold therapy or over-the-counter pain medications.
If you have recently been diagnosed with a form of chronic pain, you are likely interested in learning more about your condition and how to manage it. Physical therapy is an excellent way to strengthen targetted muscles, improve flexibility, and gain stability. This form of therapy is known to help many patients become more active despite their condition.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an excellent way to gain stability, build muscle, and increase flexibility while implementing low-impact exercises into your exercise routine. Patients with chronic pain conditions often experience increased pain as the result of low flexibility and a lack of core/glute strength. The goal of physical therapy is to slowly introduce targeted stretching and exercises so your body can manage your condition better.
Engaging in intense physical activity can increase chronic pain levels and prolong your symptoms. If you want to get active with your condition, it is important to begin with physical therapy to strengthen targetted areas to optimize posture and function.
How Physical Therapy Minimizes the Impact of Chronic Pain
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in minimizing the impact of chronic pain by addressing its root causes and empowering individuals to regain control of their lives. Unlike temporary solutions that mask symptoms, physical therapy provides lasting relief by targeting the underlying issues contributing to pain. Techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and modalities like heat, cold, and electrical stimulation work to alleviate discomfort naturally, reducing the need for medications that may have side effects or lead to dependency.
One of the key benefits of physical therapy is its ability to restore mobility and improve functionality. Chronic pain often limits movement, making everyday activities challenging. Through tailored exercises and stretches, physical therapists help patients regain flexibility, strength, and range of motion, enabling them to resume daily routines with greater ease. Strengthening supporting muscles also plays a significant role, as it can alleviate strain on painful areas and prevent further injury.
Neuromodulation Treatment with BEST Health System
Neuromodulation, also known as spinal cord stimulation, is a minimally invasive procedure recommended to chronic pain patients. This procedure involves the implantation of a small device in the lower back. This device has lead wires that attach to the spinal cord and deliver painless, tiny electrical signals directly to the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain. This is an excellent, drug-free option for those seeking permanent relief without the need for invasive surgery.
BEST Health System offers neuromodulation trials to those with neuropathy, chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, and failed back surgery syndrome. Our board-certified doctors work closely with patients to understand their concerns and help them achieve their recovery goals.
Are you ready to begin your journey to recovery? Connect with our team at BEST Health System today.
