Chronic pain is something that affects people all over the world. Here in the U.S., it is estimated that around 50 million adults have chronic pain. But what is it, and how is it treated?
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is classed as pain that continues for more than 12 weeks. It might be persistent pain or pain that comes and goes. There are many causes of chronic pain. Some people have pain because they are overweight, while others will suffer chronic pain that is associated with a medical condition such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or fibromyalgia.
There are other causes, too. A poor diet, lack of exercise, and poor posture can all lead to pain in certain parts of the body. Some people with mental health problems might also suffer ongoing aches and pains. Moreover, many individuals who have had an injury find that the pain persists, even after they have recovered. For some though, the cause of the pain is not obvious and some doctors struggle to pinpoint the reason for it.
How is Chronic Pain Treated?
Individuals with chronic pain are often prescribed medication to help relieve their symptoms, but this does not always address the cause. Unfortunately, regular doctors rarely have the time to provide their patients with the full consultation they need. This is where pain clinics come in.
If a patient has been dealing with persistent or frequent bouts of pain for more than twelve weeks, they might be referred to a pain clinic where they will be seen by specialist doctors who have been trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat all types of pain.
Pain doctors have a range of treatments that they can use, including physical therapy, holistic treatments, psychotherapy, medical marijuana, and diet and exercise changes. Pain doctors might use some of these treatments in conjunction with medication where appropriate.
The type of treatment used for a patient will be determined after an in-depth consultation with a pain management physician. In most cases, patients will be given a full treatment plan that will contain a combination of medication and non-medication treatments. For those patients for whom medical marijuana is deemed appropriate, a medical card will be necessary. The doctors at pain clinic KindlyMD say that medical marijuana cannot be accessed without one.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help
For people struggling with ongoing pain, it can be hard to visualize a time where they are pain free. Many are of the opinion that they are going to be taking medication forever just so they can enjoy some semblance of a normal life. The very idea that their pain might be relieved by making some lifestyle changes often seems ridiculous. But for some, the pain they are experiencing is a direct consequence of their lifestyle.
Take someone who is overweight or obese. They might be suffering with pain in their joints or their back due to the excess pressure on their body. For these people, the pain might be dramatically reduced if they can begin making some diet changes and incorporating exercise into their daily routine.
Someone with back ache might be suffering after years and years of bad posture. Slouching over a desk every day could have left them in agony at the end of every day. In this instance, a combination of physical therapy and yoga might be appropriate.
Conclusion
Chronic pain does not always have to be treated with medication. In fact, at a pain clinic there are many different treatment options available with the goal of improving a person’s overall mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.