Managing Chronic Pain

     We feel pain when something hurts us that causes discomfort. Often, pain could be a symptom of an underlying disease. While some pain could be easily remediated, there are some that last longer than six months. This is chronic pain that continues even after one has healed from an injury or illness. Basically, it is a type of pain that continues when it should not. 

     There are other people who have suffered from chronic pain without experiencing physical injuries in the past. This is why chronic pain is associated with certain health concerns such as arthritis. Due to its long-term characteristic, chronic pain causes emotional and mental stress including anxiety and trauma of re-injury that could hinder someone from doing an activity they once loved. 

    If you are experiencing chronic pain, know that you are not alone. Globally, chronic pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability. In the United States alone, one in three adults suffers from chronic pain. 

    As chronic pain can bring major stress to your body’s hormones, it can also affect the neurochemicals in your general nervous system including how your brain works. Thus, the intense pain that you feel can affect your daily mood, behavior, and overall outlook on life. This is the reason why many of those who suffer from chronic pain experience depression. In fact, a study published in 2006 stated that more than 70 percent of those who suffer from chronic pain testified to having depression. In a similar study, more than 80 percent reported that they have sleeping issues. 

     Social isolation from feeling depressed and anxious also causes behavioral changes in chronic pain patients. These changes can cause tension in the patients’ personal and professional relationships. All of these can result in the deterioration of social networks that could provide emotional and mental support. 

     The challenges in finding treatments for chronic pain management and mental health issues also contribute to a higher risk of substance abuse and suicide for its sufferers. Certain pain killers such as opioids can obstruct normal cognitive function and regular pain impulse communication. When not taken properly as prescribed by a physician, these drugs can heighten mental health issues. 

    Controlling chronic pain and treating mental health issues can result in pain relief. In addition, these will also improve the patients’ living conditions. It is essential for those in the medical field to understand chronic pain deeply and look for more ways in helping those who suffer from it. 

      Struggling with chronic pain and mental health issues? Doing these might help provide relief to your condition along with prescribed medicines. First, seek help from mental health professionals. Psychotherapy and cognitive training can limit the severity of stress that can make your pain worse. Second, exercise. Physical exercises are not only proven to release “happy” hormones that enhance one’s mood but also act as natural pain relievers. Doing so will both improve your physical and mental health. Lastly, modify your lifestyle. This includes practicing mindfulness and eliminating harmful toxins from your body. This includes choosing healthier food options and maintaining control over your mind and body. 

     Suffering from chronic pain? Whenever possible, take yourself out and enjoy life outside. Do your best not to isolate yourself and surround yourself with people who genuinely support you with your struggles. It is totally normal to feel tired, so do not feel guilty if you need to recharge and rest. Helping those who are going through the same concerns as you do will also widen your perspective in understanding your pain deeply.