This post was originally posted on Blogger July 27, 2024.
This post was originally posted on Blogger July 31, 2024.
Most people experience acute, or temporary, pain at some point. This is a protective response to tissue injury that usually resolves as the body heals. However, for 1 in 5 people worldwide (and 1 in 4 in Canada), pain persists for over three months, becoming chronic.
When pain becomes chronic, it can be overwhelming, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. People's perceptions of chronic pain vary, and many misunderstand it. As someone living with chronic pain, I've encountered assumptions and judgments based on media portrayals or misinformation.
Here are three common myths about chronic pain:
1. If someone doesn't appear to be in pain, it can't be that bad.
Chronic pain is often invisible. To be in constant pain and not be believed by doctors or loved ones is extremely difficult. You may look the same, but you're not. I'm fortunate that my doctor listened to me and believed me when things weren't healing properly. Many people with chronic pain downplay its impact. My doctor understood that my pain was far worse than I described. He was also knowledgeable about Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and knew how severe it could be. While I may not look disabled or in constant pain, I suppress a lot of distress to appear normal. This hasn't been helpful.
2. If someone went to work or an event, they can't be in that much pain.
I feel pain day and night. This means I must carefully weigh every decision, considering the potential recovery time or added pain. My choices depend on how I'm feeling. On good days, I'm more likely to say yes to activities. On bad days, when I'm struggling, the decision is harder. I don't like missing out, but sometimes the consequences are too much to handle.
3. The impact of chronic pain is only physical. Chronic pain affects both your body and mental well-being. To cope,you must address both equally. It also impacts your relationships. Chronic pain can significantly disrupt daily life.Beyond physical discomfort, it can interfere with work, social activities, and relationships, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety.
Living with chronic pain is a complex journey that requires understanding, empathy, and support. By challenging common misconceptions and recognizing the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, we can create a more compassionate and informed environment for those affected. It's essential to remember that chronic pain is not just a physical condition but also a mental and emotional burden. By advocating for increased awareness and access to appropriate resources, we can help individuals with chronic pain navigate their challenges and improve their quality of life.