Make Chronic Pain Less Chronic and Less Painful

"I'm not an early bird or a night owl, I'm a permanently exhausted pigeon."

Those words were spoken by an individual describing chronic pain, one of approximately 50 million adults in the U.S. who suffer from the affliction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Chronic pain is a condition that persists for months or even years and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. It’s not just the pain ‒ the ailment is typically “invisible” and subjective (different people have different thresholds of pain), making it often misunderstood and difficult to treat.

Each September, we recognize Pain Awareness Month to put a spotlight on pain and pain management issues. This annual observance seeks to educate the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the complexities of pain management and the importance of improving care, treatment, and support for those affected.

Chronic pain is different from acute pain such as a cut or sprain because of its longevity. It can occur anywhere in the body and presents itself in a number of ways, including:

• Arthritis, or joint pain
• Back pain
• Cancer pain near a tumor
• Headaches, including migraines
• Lasting pain in scar tissue
• Muscle pain all over (such as with fibromyalgia)
• Neck pain
• Neurogenic pain, from damage to the nerves or other parts of the nervous system

It interferes with daily life and can lead to depression and anxiety. The first step in treatment is to find and treat the cause. When that isn’t possible, the most effective approach is a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes.

If you suffer from chronic pain, St. Francis Interventional Pain Management can help. Our team will take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your pain, and work with you to develop a personalized program to give you lasting relief. Learn more about our services or make an appointment here.

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With the right course of action, you could be feeling more like “an energetic pigeon” ‒ or hopefully, even better ‒ in no time.