When Pain Persists

                                              Second in a Series

Many of us have suffered from a toothache, heartburn, muscle cramps or post-operative pain.  We have learned to “tough it out,” take a mild analgesic like Tylenol or Advil, or use a stronger pain medication our physician has prescribed. 

But how would we handle the pain if it continued on for months, years or the remainder of our lives?  Many individuals suffer from this long-term pain every day.  This pain can become a thief: it steals energy, lifestyles, and relationships. Chronic pain can change the world into a prison of suffering, immobility, isolation, and debilitation.   

Chronic pain is one the costliest health problems in the United States with an annual price tag of nearly $50 billion; the price of medications, treatments, doctor’s visits, emergency room care and loss productivity.  The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 76.5 million Americans suffer from chronic pain; arthritis and low back pain account for up to 60% of chronic pain. Other sources include cancer, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, post-injury nerve pain, post- amputation (phantom-limb) pain and even secondary problems from immobility, like bedsores.  Chronic pain is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety. Sleep disturbances and insomnia due to medication and illness symptoms are often experienced by those with chronic pain.

When pain is persistent and resistant to treatment, when pain continues after the injury or pathology has healed, and when medical science cannot identify the cause of pain, the task of medicine is to relieve suffering.  If the individual is under the care of a physician and is not getting relief after a period of six months or longer from the medications or treatments prescribed, it may be time to consult a pain specialist.  Pain management (also called pain medicine) applies an interdisciplinary treatment approach to relieve pain and improve the quality of life. The typical pain management team includes medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.  Treatment approaches to long-term pain may include medications, interventional procedures, physical therapy, physical exercise, application of ice and/or heat, and psychological measures, such as biofeedback and cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Pain management specialists are in charge of all the individual’s pain needs and require compliance with the treatment plan.

Unfortunately, people suffering from debilitating pain often make bad choices.  In vain attempts to stop the pain, they hop from doctor to doctor and clinic to clinic; in extreme cases they resort to obtaining drugs illegally.  Substance abuse is highly prevalent in some segments of the chronic pain population.  These behaviors are ultimately not effective in relieving pain and they can have very serious health, legal, and life implications.

If you or your loved one experience chronic pain, reach out for appropriate care in a timely fashion, follow through with the prescribed medications and treatment options, and follow up with the appropriate healthcare professionals.  Relief most likely will not be immediate or complete.  An intermittent respite break or moderate respite for pain can allow for an improved quality of life for everyone involved. 

Further information can be obtained from The American Chronic Pain Association @ www.theacpa.org.