Understanding Chronic Pain Treatment

Today, pain has become the universal disorder, a serious and costly public health issue, and a challenge for family, friends, and health care providers who must give support to the individual suffering from the physical as well as the emotional consequences of pain, especially chronic pain.  Chronic pain treatment can be very challenging.  Most often, the reason for the pain is not clear.  And it may take several types or combinations of treatments before you find relief.  When treatment is started, some people may have increased pain because their chronic pain has caused them to be inactive and they have lost strength and flexibility.  But over time treatment should reduce the pain and increase your ability to function. You may learn new ways of doing ordinary tasks to reduce pain.  Often chronic pain cannot be cured, but it can be managed well enough to significantly improve the quality of your life. Be sure though, to seek medical treatment and intervention if the pain lasts for 2 to 3 weeks.  Early treatment may prevent the pain from getting worse.  Some chronic pain may be caused by specific conditions that can be treated.  Like for example, there are treatments for headaches, arthritis, neck pain, lower back pain or depression.   It is important to build a clear treatment plan for chronic pain with your doctor or physician.  Part of this plan includes identifying ways for you to manage your pain.  Only you know the severity of your pain and how it affects your life.