Tackling chronic pain

Pain management is a basic human right – what can make treatment challenging is that others cannot see, feel or touch it.  It can become difficult sometimes for those from the outside to believe, understand or feel compassion for those who are suffering, especially when it is a chronic, daily struggle.  A recent National Health Interview Survey reported that over 126 million adults (more than half of the adult population) experienced pain during the three months prior – with over 23 million having great pain daily.  Those are staggering numbers.

September is Pain Awareness Month; and I want to join with other organizations work to help raise public awareness of issues in the area of pain and pain management on behalf of the millions of Americans that suffer from it.

Dr. Nina’s What You Need to Know:  About Chronic Pain

What Is Chronic Pain?

The International Association for the Study of Pain defines it as “ongoing or recurrent pain, lasting beyond the usual course of acute illness or injury or more than 3 to 6 months, and which adversely affects the individual’s well-being.” In other words, it continues when it should not. Chronic pain typically stems from the back, neck, head, cancer and joints, but it can exist anywhere we can think of on our bodies and can range from mild to severe.

What Causes Pain?

After we touch a burning stove or step on a nail, a nerve near the injury sends a signal to the brain via the spinal cord, creating the sensation of pain. The brain instantly (and reflexively) sends back a “warning” signal to our injured body part to “retreat” in order to prevent further injury. This mechanism was designed to protect us from harm. However, in the case of chronic pain, the signal keeps firing and the feeling of pain continues.  

What are the effects of chronic pain?

Anyone who has experienced a paper cut knows it hurts really, Really, REALLY bad. Imagine if this excruciating pain lasted for weeks, months or years. For some, it does. It is easy to see how it can interfere with sleep or concentration, and can even cause depression. Studies have also shown that chronic pain can hinder our body’s ability to fight off infections. And the stress and tension that it creates can “spill over” into our relationship with our co-workers, family and friends.

Avoid the “Do-It-Yourself” Conundrum.  

For the occasional ache or pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and naproxen (Aleve), may be appropriate. However, they are not intended for long-term use or to be taken in higher than recommended doses.  

And in fact, this past year, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which include ibuprofen, naproxen) can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. So if we find ourselves needing more than one week of treatment in a row, it may be time to enlist our healthcare provider to help navigate through the problem and avoid side effects.  

Chronicling.

Pain is subjective; only the person experiencing it can describe it properly. That is why keeping a journal or some sort of a log can help your healthcare provider establish an accurate diagnosis and create a successful treatment plan. Use a scale from 1-10 to rate your pain (with 10 being the worst pain). Additionally, describe where the pain is, what it feels like (aching, burning, sharp), what makes it worse or better, and how it may be limiting your activities in order to provide valuable information to your doctor.   

Get Help.

Making an appointment to consult with your doctor is half the battle. It puts us on the road to increasing your function, improving your quality of life, and reducing your sense of suffering. In some cases they may refer you to a pain management specialist that can tailor and monitor a multi-modal treatment plan. After all, we are uniquely different and what worked for your friends may not work for you.

Chronic pain can be debilitating, exhausting, disturb your sleep, make it difficult to concentrate, affect self-esteem, and cause isolation. Yet one too many people suffer in silence, from stigma, or inadequate relief.

By addressing it head on, it allows you to set realistic goals and monitor your progress. It allows you to take control. Stay tuned in for next week’s column to discuss specific treatments for chronic pain.  

“Half the battle is won when you begin to help yourself ”—American Chronic Pain Association.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions and cannot substitute for the advice from your medical professional.   Dr. Nina has used all reasonable care in compiling the current information but it may not apply to you and your symptoms.  Always consult your doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions or questions. 

Dr. Nina Radcliff is dedicated to her profession, her patients and her community, at large. She is passionate about sharing wise preventive health measures.