It's understandable to have many questions when first diagnosed with chronic pain. For me it was a time of great stress and overwhelm. There was so much I’d never heard of or experienced with what was happening to my body, and I didn’t understand what my body was doing. With my body going haywire, and the pain spreading aggressively, I could have used something to read so that I could understand some of what was going on for me. I’m sure I was told many of these things, but when you are lost and drowning, you don’t remember most of what was said in any doctor’s appointment, so having a handout I could read and read again would have been useful, educational and I think would have helped me get a better sense of what was happening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing my pain? Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. It could be due to an injury, medical condition, or unknown factors.
Will it ever go away? The nature of chronic pain is persistent, but it can often be managed effectively. Understanding your specific condition and its prognosis is important.
What are my treatment options? Treatment varies depending on the cause and type of pain. Options may include medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological therapy, and alternative therapies.
What are the side effects of medications? Pain medications can have side effects, and it's essential to discuss these with your doctor and weigh the benefits against the risks.
How can I cope with the emotional impact of chronic pain? Chronic pain can significantly impact mental health. Seeking support from therapists, support groups, or loved ones can be beneficial.
Will I be able to work or continue with my daily activities? Occupational therapy and adjustments to your routine may help you maintain some level of activity and engagement.
Chronic pain is common: You are not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from chronic pain.
Pain is subjective: Everyone experiences pain differently. What is manageable for one person may be debilitating for another.
Early intervention is crucial: Seeking help sooner rather than later can improve treatment outcomes and prevent the pain from worsening.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution: Finding the right treatment plan may require trial and error. It took me 10 years to figure out the right medications for me, no joke, and it’s important to keep looking if something doesn’t help.
Self-care is essential: Managing chronic pain requires active participation. This includes pacing yourself, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in stress-reducing activities. This took me longer to learn, and in 2023 I was forced to look hard at my self care practices during my nervous breakdown and now schedule self care activities throughout my day to make sure I’m getting enough.
You are your own best advocate: Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek second opinions, and communicate your needs to your healthcare providers.
It's okay to grieve the life you had before chronic pain. Accepting the changes and adapting to your new reality is a process.
Focus on what you can control. While you can't always eliminate the pain, you can focus on managing it and improving your quality of life.
Don't give up hope. With the right support and treatment, it's possible to live a fulfilling life with chronic pain.
I encourage you to discuss your specific concerns with your doctor and explore resources available to you. You can also find valuable information and support from organizations like Pain BC, Bounce Back and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Chronic pain is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be debilitating and frustrating, making it difficult to live a full and active life. If you're experiencing chronic pain, it's important to be proactive in your care and seek out information and support. Here are 10 frequently asked questions relating to chronic pain, along with detailed answers and explanations:
What is chronic pain?
What are some common causes of chronic pain?
Arthritis: This is a leading cause of chronic pain, affecting millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are some common types.
Back pain: This is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. It can be caused by injury, overuse, or underlying conditions like degenerative disc disease.
Headaches: Migraines and tension headaches are common types of chronic headaches.
Nerve damage: Conditions like diabetes, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), multiple sclerosis, and shingles can cause nerve damage that leads to chronic pain.
Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic widespread pain condition that also causes fatigue, sleep problems, and mood disturbances.
Cancer: Cancer pain can be caused by the disease itself or its treatment.
Diagnosing chronic pain often involves a combination of:
Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their location, intensity, and duration. They will also inquire about your medical history, including any injuries or illnesses you've had.
Physical examination: This will help your doctor assess your range of motion, reflexes, and any areas of tenderness.
Diagnostic tests: These may include imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify any underlying causes of your pain. Nerve conduction studies or blood tests may also be necessary.
What are the treatment options for chronic pain?
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications like opioids or antidepressants, and topical creams can help manage pain.
Physical therapy: This can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, reducing pain and improving function.
Occupational therapy: This can help you learn new ways to perform daily tasks and modify your environment to reduce pain.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you develop coping strategies for managing pain and its impact on your life.
Complementary therapies: Acupuncture, massage, and yoga may provide some pain relief for certain individuals.
Interventional procedures: In some cases, procedures like nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators or injections may be used to manage pain.
Can chronic pain be cured?
How can I cope with chronic pain?
Living with chronic pain can be challenging, but there are ways to cope:
Develop a pain management plan: Work with your healthcare team to create a plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Stay active: Regular exercise can help reduce pain and improve your overall health. I never thought I’d be able to have a fitness routine, but I found a small one that works for me and after I’d been doing it for weeks, did start to notice an improvement, not only with my pain, but my balance and overall ability to walk became stronger.
Practice stress management techniques: Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and pain.
Connect with others: Join a support group or connect with others online who understand what you're going through.
Don't give up: There is hope for managing chronic pain and living a fulfilling life.
What is the role of diet and exercise in managing chronic pain?
Diet: A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health, which can contribute to pain management. Some people find that certain foods trigger their pain, so it's important to pay attention to your diet and identify any potential triggers.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve strength, flexibility, and endurance, reducing pain and improving function. It's important to start slowly and gradually increase your activity level.
How can I find a good pain management specialist? How will I remember the multitude of info being shared with me?
You can ask your primary care physician for a referral to a pain management specialist. You can also search online for specialists in your area. When choosing a specialist, consider their experience, qualifications, and approach to pain management.
Also consider how you will remember everything. I would take notes and create summaries of my appointments. I also kept a pain/mental health diary and noted any questions I had for my next appointment.
What are the potential side effects of pain medications?
Pain medications can have side effects, which vary depending on the type of medication. Some common side effects include:
Opioids: Constipation, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, and addiction.
NSAIDs: Stomach upset, ulcers, and bleeding.
Antidepressants: Drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain.
It's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of any medication with your doctor.
How can I support a loved one with chronic pain?
Supporting a loved one with chronic pain can be challenging, but there are ways to help:
Listen and validate their pain: Chronic pain can be invisible, so it's important to listen to your loved one and acknowledge their experience.
Offer practical help: Help with chores, errands, or childcare. And don’t wait to be asked. Pain Warriors and Spoonies often struggle to reach out for help so it’s important to let them know they can rely on you and to offer to do something specific for them or take over a weekly task or chore for them.
Encourage them to seek treatment: Support them in finding a healthcare team and following their treatment plan. This is especially important for one's mental health.
Be patient and understanding: Chronic pain can be unpredictable, so be patient and understanding when your loved one is having a difficult day. This is also important. Pain Warriors and Spoonies are usually unreasonably hard on themselves, so when someone gets impatient with us, we take it to heart and it can crush our soul a little. We will also probably obsess over it and call ourselves names for being so “stupid”. So patience and kindness is appreciated.
Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with chronic pain can be emotionally draining, so make sure to take care of your own needs as well. This is especially important to do. Self care activities make a big difference and I believe is vital to our wellbeing.
Remember, it's important to ask questions and be proactive in your care if you're experiencing chronic pain. By working with your healthcare team and developing coping strategies, you can manage your pain and live a full and active life.