Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Nov 08, 2015 News
By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Pain is usually associated with a wide range of injuries and diseases but can sometimes be a disease itself.
When pain becomes the primary condition and is persistent then it can become debilitating for the affected person. If left untreated then loss of function can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts in some. This leads to a phenomenon called chronic pain syndrome which is becoming increasingly common and is becoming an affliction in society. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months. In many cases, this means that pain continues even after the injury or condition that first caused it has been treated.
What causes chronic pain?
The cause of chronic pain is not always clear. Sometimes it is caused by an ongoing medical problem, such as arthritis or diabetic neuropathy (a form of nerve damage from diabetes). But doctors cannot always find the cause of chronic pain.
In some cases, people with chronic pain must accept that their pain will never be explained. This does not mean that they have to accept their pain. It just means that they have to work with their doctor to address the pain, even if they don’t know its cause.
What are the symptoms of chronic pain?
The main symptom of chronic pain is, of course, pain. But the pain can affect the body in different ways. Some people have aches deep inside their muscle or bone. Some people have stabbing or shooting pain, often with tingling or numbness. And others have dull, throbbing pain.
People who have chronic pain might have a hard time doing their usual activities, such as bathing or dressing. This can lead to depression and anxiety, and it can cause problems with sleep.
Will I need tests?
Your doctor may opt to do tests to figure out the cause of your pain but it’s important to understand that tests cannot always show the cause of pain. Scientists think that in some people, the pain signals in the brain stop working normally. The signals get “stuck” in the on position, even when the source of pain is gone.
How is chronic pain treated?
Treatments for chronic pain include both medicines and activities. No single treatment works for everyone. Your doctor will help you find the right mix of treatments for you. Treatment options include:
* Medicines to relieve pain, improve sleep, or improve mood
* Physical therapy to learn exercises and stretches
* Relaxation therapy
* Massage therapy
* Injections (shots) of numbing or pain-relieving medicines into the spine or area with pain
* Acupuncture
* Surgery
To find the best treatment for you:
* Be open to trying new treatments and combinations of treatments. Sometimes you have to try a few different options before you find one that works best.
* Set realistic goals for your treatment. Even if you can’t completely get rid of your pain, you might be able to control it enough so that you can do the things you want to do.
If your doctor suggests a medicine that seems out of place, keep an open mind. Sometimes, doctors treat pain with medicines made to treat other medical problems. For example, doctors can use medicines for depression to treat pain because they work on areas of the brain that process pain. Doctors can also use medicines for seizures to treat pain, because they help with overactive nerves.
Is there anything you can do on your own to feel better?
Yes. Some things to try include:
* Use a heating pad or a cold pack on the painful area. Check with your doctor before trying this to make sure it is OK for your individual condition.
* Practice relaxing. You can learn methods to relax your body, such as doing deep breathing exercises. Relaxing the mind can help with how the body feels pain. People can learn to quiet their pain or make it less bothersome.
* Stay as active as possible. Walking, swimming, or biking can all help ease muscle and joint pain. If you are not active, your pain might get worse.
If you haven’t been active for a while, start slowly. Make small increases in the intensity and amount of time you spend exercising. If exercising increases your pain, talk with your doctor. He or she might recommend a programme that can help you get more active.
*If you feel depressed, talk to your doctor or family members about it. Chronic pain and depression often go together, and each can make the other worse. Getting treatment for your depression can make it easier to cope with your pain.
Chronic pain should not prevent one from living. Finding the right treatment plan may take time and multiple visits to your doctor. Having patience, adhering to a plan and the willingness to try different treatment options is usually the least painful option.
Nov 21, 2024
Kaieteur Sports – The D-Up Basketball Academy is gearing up to wrap its first-of-its-kind, two-month youth basketball camp, which tipped off in September at the Tuschen Primary School (TPS)...…Peeping Tom kaieteur News- Every morning, the government wakes up, stretches its arms, and spends one billion dollars... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]