How a Chronic Pain Management Plan Can Provide Relief

Pain is a vital bodily function, alerting us to potentially dangerous conditions and situations. However, some individuals experience pain that lasts for extended periods of time. This chronic pain differs from acute pain, which is usually constrained to the length of time necessary to heal an injury or affliction. And it can be a debilitating condition that severely impacts the sufferer’s quality of life.

Moreover, it is a surprisingly prevalent condition. Statistics Canada reports that 16% of those aged 18 to 64 and 27% of seniors suffer from some degree of chronic pain.

Unfortunately, many sufferers seek to alleviate pain by taking opioids, a growing trend that is becoming a health crisis in its own right.

Why is Chronic Pain Hard to Treat?

There is no single type of chronic pain, and those suffering from this debilitating condition can have one or a combination of sources. Some of the causes of chronic pain include:

• Diseases including cancer, ulcers, multiple sclerosis, and ulcers
• Long-term trauma resulting from injury
• Poor posture
• Obesity
• Degenerative health conditions
• Conditions that aren’t well understood, such as fibromyalgia

Unfortunately, health care professionals sometimes find it difficult to determine the cause. Without a clear underlying cause, they will often take a trial and error approach to treatment to see what works and what doesn’t.

However, there are effective treatment options that do not involve drugs or medication and which can dramatically improve quality of life. Specifically, a chronic pain management program can be the best way for sufferers to handle the discomfort and to find relief.

Chronic Pain Management Program

As the name suggests, chronic pain management is a tailored and coordinated strategy for helping sufferers manage and overcome persistent pain. A healthcare provider will provide a comprehensive assessment of your condition, map the pain’s scope using tools such as pain scales, and recommend a treatment plan.

The personalized pain management strategy will typically involve one or a set of treatment types. Let’s take a look at the components a chronic pain management plan might include.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors play a vital role both in treating the underlying causes of chronic pain and helping patients incorporate pain management strategies into their daily lives. And there is evidence-based research to back it up: a study of 272 neck pain sufferers found that patients are more than twice as likely to experience relief through chiropractic treatment than those receiving medication.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice whereby practitioners insert tiny needles into the skin to stimulate specific areas. While there is no consensus on its effectiveness, Harvard Medical School Health Blog cites a comprehensive compilation of studies – involving nearly 18,000 patients – that suggests acupuncture may relieve pain by as much as 50%.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are adept at understanding the relationship between pain and movement. Through a series of targeted exercises, they’ll work with the patient to change unhealthy postures, induce relaxation, and promote neural changes that can help the sufferer with their pain perception.

Psychological Treatment

Managing the physical pain is only one piece of the puzzle. Sufferers also usually need guidance dealing with the thoughts and emotions associated with it. Psychologists can provide relaxation strategies, handle anxiety and depression, and offer ways to develop healthy coping strategies.

In fact, the American Psychological Association suggests studies have shown that some psychological treatments can be as effective as surgery for chronic pain relief.

Massage Therapy

In addition to aiding with relaxation and providing a sense of well-being, research suggests that massage therapy promotes the release of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter driving the body’s natural pain relief system.

Find Relief With Chronic Pain Management

If you suffer from chronic pain, these non-surgical and non-invasive treatment options – coordinated through a comprehensive chronic pain management plan – can help you overcome the discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Healthmax Physiotherapy Clinics offer comprehensive chronic pain management services to patients in the Greater Toronto Area. Book an appointment online today for an assessment with our friendly and experienced team and begin your journey toward freedom from pain.