Have you been dealing with constant pain for weeks upon end? Is performing even the simplest of activities often tearfully difficult? Does it seem odd that the pain has not subsided, to the point that you know that something is surely wrong? Well then, it is my goal to give you some hope.
My name is and I am going to outline the condition known as chronic pain, and tell you how you can finally break free of this common affliction that affects an estimated one in five adults.
It is hard to think of pain as your friend. It often robs people of their days and makes them feel as if they are stuck in a prison with no way of escape. Instead of just accepting the pain as your lot in life, I encourage you to be proactive and fight back.
What is Chronic Pain?
There is probably no physical ailment worse than that which causes pain. Sometimes it can be unbearable.
Chronic pain can simply be defined as the persistence of pain long after an injury is healed. An individual can be fine one day, and the next they find themselves in much pain, maybe after being in an accident or battling a disease. If the pain does not lessen and continues for several months, then it is considered to be chronic.
The condition affects mainly older adults, but it is certainly not limited to any certain age group. Sometimes chronic pain can be mistaken for other conditions like MS, Lupus or Fibromyalgia. Therefore, many people may not understand what is happening in their body, except for just knowing that they hurt and cannot make it stop.
The Different Types of Chronic Pain
I know what you are probably thinking: pain is pain, right? What difference does it make what disease it is? Actually, it is important to properly characterize any ailment and to identify the afflicted area.
The following are some of the most common types of chronic pain:
- LOWER BACK PAIN: Many people struggle with lower back pain, especially after automotive or job-related accidents. Sometimes the pain is the result of a slipped or bulging disc, and other times it may be due to damage of the tissues surrounding the bone. Either way, back pain can make simple activities that require bending or sitting to be excruciatingly difficult.
- JOINT PAIN: Having pain in your joints can be miserable, especially considering that joints bend every time there is movement. Therefore, especially in the hands and feet, the body can experience a lot of pain just trying to get through the day.
- HEADACHES: Headaches can sometimes be so severe that they shut down the ability to function. If one is dealing with chronic headaches, it can adversely affect their home life and performance on the job.
Many individuals that suffer with chronic pain simply try to get by from day to day while the pain continues. However, it is foolish to try to bear the agony alone when there is so much help available.
Who Dunnit?
Certainly you are wondering what causes pain to linger long after an injury has healed. While not all causes are known, there are a number of factors that can bring about the condition:
- Nerve damage
- Arthritis (pain in the joints)
- Fibromyalgia (pain in the muscles)
- Obesity
- Cancer
- Degeneration due to aging
If you suffer with pain, it is important to identify the root cause of the problem, so that it may be treated appropriately and effectively. Otherwise, you are simply throwing a shot in the dark. Your condition may be caused by any one or more of the above issues. Instead of playing doctor yourself and trying to make assumptions about the matter, it is important that you seek professional assistance.
While most doctors do not declare a sure diagnosis until the individual has been suffering for at least 3-6 months, it is still important to get a professional opinion as soon as you note that something is wrong with your body.
Inaction is Not an Option
Ignoring the pain and hoping that it will eventually go away is not an option.
You have a lot to do as a busy spouse, parent and community member. You can’t let your pain consume your entire life and destroy your physical well-being. You must be pro-active.
There are a few changes that you can make immediately:
- EAT RIGHT: Your food choices may be causing you to feel worn down, because you are not getting the right nutrients to your body. Be sure to eat a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts/seeds, and lean meat and fish.
- GET ADEQUATE SLEEP: So many problems arise today due to sleep deprivation. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep/night, if possible.
- EXERCISE: Staying mobile can help in many ways. Even if you can’t move around a lot, do what you are able. Keep those joints and muscles moving!
Sometimes these factors alone will not completely conquer chronic pain. You need a proper diagnosis and a analysis of the root cause of the problem. Without attacking the root cause, the pain will most likely come back.
Where I Come In
This is where I come in. Since it is important not to assume what type of ailment you might be fighting or what may be causing it, I invite you to schedule an appointment with me to allow me to help.
Let’s get to the heart of the matter and find out why you are experiencing such intense pain, and why it has been refusing to release its grip.
Not only will I diagnose your problem, but I will work with you every step of the way to put you on a course to freedom.
I would like to offer you a FREE phone consultation so that we can discuss your specific situation, the severity and duration of the pain, and how we can tackle it HEAD-ON!
To take advantage of this FREE phone consultation, please complete the form below. My office will then be in touch with you promptly to set up an appointment at your convenience.
I look forward to speaking with you or seeing you in person very soon!
