If you’ve dealt with chronic pain, you understand how it can alter your life. Those with acute and chronic pain often find their lives disrupted by roadblocks: daily activities lose their appeal because they’re simply too painful to pursue. In extreme cases, leaving the house can become an insurmountable obstacle, and some may begin to retreat into isolation. Pain can become a kind of “lonely prison”.
It’s easy to see how this silent torture can do more than just physical harm. Studies show that chronic pain may make the brain more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and impaired cognitive function. Chronic pain can become like a disease unto itself, with complications that create wide-ranging physical, psychological, and emotional effects.
But there is hope. There are people who can help, physicians who specialize in the treatment of pain. These physicians use a thorough knowledge of the body to determine the root cause of your pain. Their ultimate goal is to fix the underlying issue so that your pain can be eliminated, or at least managed so that you can get back to doing what you love—living your life.
Now, contrary to what you may have heard, physicians specializing in pain management don’t just prescribe controlled medications to block or cover pain. The Physicians Spine and Rehabilitation Specialists takes a holistic approach to pain management. Our physicians, after providing a thorough evaluation, may recommend combining medication and injection therapy with conservative care methods like physical therapy, yoga, meditation, and low level physical activity such as walking, biking, or swimming. This comprehensive approach provides the best long term outcome for patients.
If you feel as though your pain has become your second shadow, don’t despair. There is hope. If you’re experiencing unresolved pain, it’s time to think about being evaluated by a pain expert.
Bibliography
Williams, Vernon. “‘Pain: Is It All in Your Head?’ .” US News Health, US News, 12 Oct. 2017, 6:00 am, health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2017-10-12/pain-is-it-all-in-your-head?int=wellness-rec.
