5 Things You Need To Know About Chronic Pain Management

Even years later, after several advancements, there are still some things in the medical world that need dire attention. Of course, you can always reach out to a doctor. And yet, at a certain point, you might come across incurable diseases. So, the options are very limited and you might be wondering what would happen if you had one of those diseases? This is why every individual must take care of their physical and mental health.

Similarly, people with chronic pain often suffer and they do not understand the cause behind it. But the truth is all that pain exists without a cause or purpose. Some might not understand and others will deny you support. Thankfully, there is enough research to support the fact that chronic pain is real. Whether the cause remains hidden or reveals itself with time.

So, here are five vital things about chronic pain management that you should know.

Yes, Chronic Pain is Real!

In America, chronic pain is so common that most of the American citizens spend a lot on pain management alone. This indicates that chronic pain definitely exists. Even in cases where the cause is unknown. Now, chronic pain is one such symptom that involves several health conditions. It could be a headache, cancer, arthritis, back pain, abdominal pain, etc.

Basically, chronic pain is referred to as the pain that continues to last for a period of 3-6 months even after treatment. Let me give you an example. A few years ago I visited a doctor and I overheard someone asking the doctor, “Is she really in pain?” The question kind of took me over the board and I wanted to know more about the rest of the conversation.

So, this is what I found out. The experience of pain varies from individual to individual. Plus brain mapping is one such technology that helps identify the intensity of the pain and how it varies from person to person. This is only possible with the help of MRI, and MRI is not available everywhere. Thus, the first thing the doctor will depend on is what you tell him or her about your condition.

Can medicines ease chronic pain?

The role of medicine is subject to the type of condition you have. Like NSAIDs work effectively in the case of swelling and inflammation. So, in its entirety, these medications are commonly used for pain resulting from arthritis, muscle sprain, menstrual cramps, strains, back injury, etc.

Instead, according to several researches, even the prescribed medicines can cause several side effects. This is why it is vital to consistently manage chronic pain through healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. Because at the end of the day, medicines can prove ineffective in the treatment of certain conditions.

Chronic pain leads to sleep problems and disuse syndrome

Lack of sleep is one symptom that can be easily associated with chronic pain. Especially during the night hours when pain seems to escalate automatically. Not only this but also by the end of the day your entire sleep cycle goes haywire. It leads to major sleep-related problems and you already have chronic pain to deal with. So, it is best to discuss both the problems with the doctor.

In addition to this, chronic pain also leads to disuse syndrome. A condition in which there is a lack of physical activity. In addition to this, this syndrome can lead to other health-related problems that affect the body severely. You can suffer from cardiovascular, psychological, emotional, and even neurological disorders. As a result of this, over a certain period of time, the symptoms of leading to chronic pain can worsen even more.

Can cannabis treat chronic pain?

Looks like the therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant and its increasing popularity have definitely intrigued the minds of many Americans. In fact, the statistics prove so and it seems like most of the Americans are switching from opioids use to medical marijuana.

Instead, the association between cannabis and chronic pain is quite interesting. There are cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids are famously known as THC and CBD. They have the ability to interact with the receptors (CB1, CB2) in the human body. This interaction leads to all the therapeutic effects that researchers talk about.

Though several doubts are surrounding the long-term effects of medical marijuana, yet a decline in the rate of opioids use is what makes CBD and THC the hero. So, cannabis is a possible solution with scope for in-depth research.

Chronic Pain and the Brain go hand in hand

Often, for unknown reasons, even after the full treatment of a certain condition, the nerves till keep sending signals to the pain. As a result of these signals, you continue to receive pain even after full treatment. The main reason behind this can be that the tissue did not heal as expected and for the same reason the nerves continue to signal the brain.

You have to keep in mind that the process of signaling expands with time. The continuous input of repetitive signals leads to more pain. This means that every time you suffer from chronic pain despite having it treated. It is because the message that was once sent to your brain is now stuck in a loop. The nervous system in tandem with the brain is causing the formation of this loop and hence chronic pain turns into brain disease. Anyone can suffer from chronic pain. There is no hard and fast rule as to when and why chronic pain will affect an individual. The best way to handle chronic pain is by living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly. But in the case of chronic pain related to serious health issues like cancer, it is best you first consult a doctor. For example, California Medical Clinic or a good clinic in the city you reside in. Additional support from a practitioner or a certified doctor will help you resolve the issue faster. So, make sure you first consult a good doctor and then take the prescribed medications.