Everyone experiences pain on occasion, but millions of people suffer from persistent pain. Living with chronic pain can be incapacitating and adversely affect your everyday life. When pain is persistent, it’s important to seek the help of your family doctor to get to the root of the problem and for treatments for symptom relief.
Understanding Pain – Types
Various types of pain include:
- Acute pain – This form of pain is often the result of a specific condition or injury, such as a broken bone. Acute pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. This kind of pain usually goes away as the underlying cause heals.
- Chronic pain – This type of pain is long-term pain that can last months and even years. The pain can be continuous or intermittent.
- Nociceptive – Pain that is the result of damage to body tissue either by injury or inflammation, and is often described as sharp, throbbing, or aching.
- Radicular pain – This type of pain radiates along the path of a nerve because of irritation or compression.
- Neuropathic pain – Pain that comes from damage or malfunction of the nervous system, resulting in pain described as tingling, burning, or shooting.
Chronic pain can be associated with many conditions, including arthritis, back pain, migraines, IBS, cancer, or P.A.D. More than just a physical sensation, constant pain seriously impacts a person’s overall well-being by causing feelings of frustration, loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Pain Management
Treatments like medications and physical therapy are often effective in reducing chronic pain. Additionally, making small lifestyle changes may aid in further relief:
- Regular exercise – talk to your provider about appropriate physical activities that can help strengthen muscles, improve your mood, and distract you from the pain.
- A healthy diet – A balanced diet can reduce inflammation, bolster your immune system, and support overall health.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use – both have been shown to increase inflammation.
- Reducing stress – Relaxation techniques such as box breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help reduce your perception of pain and improve your emotional state.
- Getting enough sleep – insufficient sleep can leave your body more sensitized to pain.
Management of pain isn’t always straightforward. Individual people may react differently to therapies and treatments. Some may experience side effects from medications, others may be limited in their ability to utilize some therapies, but there is hope. Your family doctor understands your specific medical history and can help you explore the various treatment options available.
Chronic pain can impact your ability to work, do daily tasks, or enjoy activities. Conditions that can cause persistent pain, such as arthritis, do not have a cure; however, your doctor can help you devise a plan to effectively manage your condition and the pain that comes with it.
You don’t need to suffer through pain. Contact your River Bend Medical Associates provider to talk about your health concerns and the pain you are experiencing. Our team is committed to delivering compassionate health care for our patients. As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our medical practice, or to make an appointment, contact River Bend Medical Associates or call 916-392-4000.
