Any pain that lasts for more than six months is termed as a chronic pain. It may be associated with various systemic illnesses or a bad posture. Pain management is not just restricted to the cause of the pain. It encompasses treating the individual’s psychological response to pain as well. It becomes essential for the caregivers to impart full knowledge about the pain and its management to the patient who is often confused and likely to balk at the long term therapy involved.
Apart from medicines, various exercises and relaxation techniques are also an integral part of the treatment. There are various mistakes that a patient of chronic pain may make during the course of his therapy. They include:
Trying to overcome the pain on your own
The sooner one realizes the nature of the pain and seeks expert advice, the better for him. Often we see patients underplaying their pain or trying to ignore it completely. Under rating the problem can aggravate the damage to the body besides causing depression in the longer run. Chronic pain can lead to hyperactivity of the neurons leading to their death. Also bearing pain for a long time numbs the reaction of the brain to medication, so that larger amount of medication is required to elicit the required response. Popping pain relieving pills easily available over the counter can also weaken the muscles and stiffen the joints over a time besides causing various deleterious effects on the body. Doctors recommend that the maximum time one should give for the pain to resolve on its own is four weeks. If the pain does not subside by then, it is better to seek medical advice.
Not understanding the nature of the pain
It is very important for the patient to actively participate in devising the regimen to alleviate the pain. It is impossible for the physician to understand the nature of your pain and your needs unless you are more forthcoming and communicative. Find out what activities trigger the pain, at what time is the pain worst, are there any specific factors that cause a flare up and are there any specific positions of rest which reduce the pain. Never be embarrassed to share your symptoms with your doctor and be an active member in exploring various treatment options available to you.
Seeking advice from the incorrect doctor and shying away from taking medicines
Seeking advice from the incorrect doctor
A common mistake that most patients of chronic pain make is to rely completely on the family physician for the pain management. It is important to remember that pain management is a specialized field of medicine and most of the primary care doctors are not adequately trained in it. It is important to consult a doctor who is trained in pain management or to seek the help from a comprehensive pain management center. The American Board of Pain Medicine can guide the patient to the correct doctor. However, it is equally important to stick to a specialist after you have found one, as going from one doctor to another can lead to multiple unnecessary diagnostic tests and a delay in initiating proper treatment, besides burning a hole in your pocket. Always remember that managing chronic pain is a tedious process which requires patience and doctor hopping can do more harm than good.
Shying away from taking medicines
Some patients avoid taking opioid analgesics for pain relief as they are afraid they might get addicted to them. Medicines, when taken according to the dose prescribed by the physician do not cause addiction. Doctors gauge the exact dose required by a particular patient to counter the pain and prescribe the medicine accordingly. They always start with the minimal dosage and then change the amount of medicine required only after a thorough evaluation during the course of the treatment. The patient may feel light headed after taking the medicine during the initial phase but the body soon adjusts to the medicine and you are not left with any hangover. Chances of getting hooked to a medicine are minimal when it is taken as prescribed by the doctor. The only care that has to be taken while relying on opioid analgesics for pain relief is that the patient should not increase or decrease its dose on his own. Neither should the patient combine the analgesics with other medicines, like anti-depressants, without taking his physician into confidence.
Not knowing about the proper usage of pain relieving medicines
Always remember that the pain relieving medicines cannot alleviate 100 % of the pain. At best, they can reduce the pain by 50-60 %. Expecting to be completely free of pain can only lead to depression. Some patients keep on increasing the dose in the hope that they will drive away all the pain. This in result increases the threshold limit for the medicines to become effective. Increased dosage may also lead to drug dependence. Get to terms with the fact that you have to live with some amount of pain and plan your life accordingly. Pushing your body too far or thinking that you can perform all the tasks like the good old days, after popping extra medicines, can only lead to more wear and tear of the body resulting in more pain. Another important factor to be remembered while taking pain relieving medicines is that one should not pop analgesics whenever one feels the pain. Rather, one should follow a set time table regarding the time to take medicines. Taking a medicine at a particular time everyday makes your body more responsive to the medicine and this helps in the alleviation of pain faster. Also remember not to increase the dosage of the medicines during a flare up of the disease without the consent of the doctor as increasing the dosage after every flare up may lead to increased frequency of the latter with reduced responsiveness to the medicines.
Not exploring other treatment options
Besides taking the medicines prescribed by the physician, patients can also opt for various mental relaxation techniques like yoga, self hypnosis and bio-feedback. There are various herbal medications also available but one must consult his doctor before taking them in tandem with the allopathic medicines as they may interact with the latter reducing their efficacy. Exercising helps in reducing all kinds of pains. Discuss with your physician about the exercise plan most suitable for you and start with it. Besides strengthening the various muscles and joints, exercising also results in the release of endorphins which improve the mood of the patient and enhance a general sense of well being.
Common Mistakes in Chronic Pain Management: Reasoning and Solutions
1. Overreliance on medication
Relying solely on pain medication without exploring other treatment options can be a mistake. While medication may provide temporary relief, it may not address the underlying causes of chronic pain.
Solution
Consult with healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive pain management plan that includes a combination of treatments such as physical therapy, exercise, relaxation techniques, and alternative therapies like acupuncture or mindfulness-based practices.
2. Avoiding physical activity
Some persons with chronic pain may fear that physical activity will worsen their pain or cause further injury. However, avoiding physical activity altogether can lead to muscle weakness, decreased flexibility, and increased pain in the long run.
Solution
Work with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist or pain specialist, to develop an appropriate exercise program that focuses on gentle movements, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Gradual progression and proper guidance can help manage pain and improve overall function.
3. Ignoring emotional well-being
Chronic pain can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being. Neglecting emotional health, such as not addressing stress, anxiety, or depression, can exacerbate pain perception.
Solution
Seek support from mental health professionals who specialize in chronic pain management. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques can help manage stress, improve coping strategies, and enhance overall emotional well-being.
4. Isolating oneself socially
Chronic pain can lead to feelings of isolation and withdrawal from social activities. Avoiding social interactions can worsen emotional well-being and contribute to a sense of loneliness.
Solution
Stay connected with friends, family, and support groups who understand and empathize with your condition. Engaging in social activities, even in modified ways, can provide a sense of belonging, support, and distraction from pain.
5. Focusing solely on pain
Constantly fixating on pain can amplify the perception of discomfort and negatively impact overall quality of life. It can lead to a loss of enjoyment in activities and hinder engagement in meaningful pursuits.
Solution
Practice pain management techniques such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness meditation, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and distract from pain. Cognitive techniques, like reframing thoughts and focusing on positive aspects of life, can also help shift the attention away from pain.
It's important to remember that chronic pain management is highly individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another. Though there is no magic cure for chronic pain, remembering these simple points can help the patient gain control over his pain and improve the quality of his life.