Living with Chronic Pain Can Be Like a Rollercoaster Ride
Posted on July 2, 2021
Anyone who lives with chronic pain can tell you that it’s truly life-altering. Activities that were previously taken for granted may become a challenge, and everyday routines that were once normal can ultimately become impossible to maintain.
Here are just a few of the many struggles chronic pain sufferers are all too familiar with:
When you live with chronic pain, you never know what the day will bring.
One day your pain may be manageable, and the next day your symptoms can be especially unbearable. Sufferers often don’t know what to expect when they awaken each day, which adds to any anxiety they may already be feeling about their physical discomforts.
Sometimes well-meaning loved ones can cause more stress for pain sufferers
Everyone appreciates having someone who cares enough to offer support during tough times. But sometimes the help can also add stress. Between those who make suggestions for ‘cures’ when the sufferer has already tried it all, and those who don’t understand that pain may increase or subside from one day than the next, an overload of unsolicited advice can add to an already-exhausting state of overwhelm.
Others want to help you, but don’t always know how to go about it
Those who want to help in some way when a friend or family member is in pain usually have good intentions, but don’t always know the right things to say or do. This can cause them to feel helpless to provide support, and lead to awkwardness in the relationship. As a result, sometimes friendships begin to fade or the pain sufferer may retreat to a more isolated lifestyle.
Patients often have anxiety about their prescribed pain medications
Many people don’t really want to take prescription pain meds, yet need them to help make chronic pain more manageable when pain persists even after surgery or other treatments have failed.
They may also be worried about the potential for addiction, or issues with paperwork/insurance that can delay the pain medicine they need. Being beholden to a pain medicine regimen can cause anxiety in itself, on top of the stress associated with daily, ongoing pain.
Chronic pain can affect every aspect of life
When someone is living with a pain condition, many activities they use to enjoy can become too difficult to manage anymore. Daily routines are altered by the limited actions one can take each day; common tasks may take longer or be more challenging, and any additional steps needed for pain management (doctor visits, pain meds, therapy, etc) take even more time out of a busy schedule.
Circumstances like these can cause pain sufferers to avoid social interaction, leading to further isolation, sadness about the people and activities they’re missing out on, and even anger at having to struggle with their painful affliction.
There is no ‘magic pill’ for chronic pain relief
When the only thing a pain sufferer wants is complete and immediate relief, it would be wonderful if there was a pill or single therapy that would ‘miraculously’ wipe away discomfort in an instant. But the reality is, relief from chronic pain may take some work, with multiple steps and complementary therapies for an overall solution to reduce the suffering.
It’s not always easy, given that those in pain are often worn down from their daily struggles as it is. But finding the right pain physician and combination of therapies is critical in order to achieve the most optimal treatment outcomes.
If you recognize the struggles above, chances are you either know someone who lives with chronic pain, or you’ve ‘been there/done that’ yourself. If this is you, we want you to know that there is hope for regaining a more pain-free, enjoyable quality of life.
One of the most important things you can do to get started on the road to better living with less pain is to consult with a qualified pain management physician.
When you speak with a compassionate, knowledgeable pain doctor about your chronic pain, he / she will be able to provide expert guidance about treatments and therapies that will produce the best results for your individual situation.
Don’t try to ‘tough it out’ on your own without help, especially when chronic pain has already taken up so much of your time and energy. Getting advice from a pain physician will ensure that you understand all available options for treatment and can help to diminish some of the ‘heaviness’ chronic pain can cause, both physically and emotionally.
If Chronic Pain is Making Your Life Feel Like a Rollercoaster Ride, We Can Help.
At Riverside Pain Physicians, we understand that your pain is as unique as you are, and it can change from one day to the next. Our board-certified pain physicians are dedicated to treating each and every patient as an individual with an exclusive pain condition, and to find the best solution for reducing or eliminating your specific type of pain.
We will work with you to thoroughly address your questions and concerns, and to expertly diagnose your condition to recommend the most effective treatment plan for your symptoms.
If you are tired of living with chronic pain and want more information about options for minimizing your suffering to restore a better quality of life, call Riverside Pain Physicians today at 904.389.1010 or click here to set up an appointment online at one of our clinics.
Tags: Chronic Pain, Chronic Pain Management, Chronic Pain Physician Jacksonville, Chronic Pain Treatment Jacksonville