Chronic pain is persistent discomfort that can last weeks, months or even years. While some patients have an initial injury that can lead to ongoing pain, others may not have a definitive source of discomfort. Other types of pain are the result of a specific disorder or another condition.
For those who live with chronic pain, daily tasks can be a challenge. Continuous pain can take a significant toll on both physical and mental health, and can even change the way your body responds to stress over time. Here are some tips to help you cope with and treat chronic pain that impacts your daily life.
The Link Between Chronic Pain & Mental Health
For many people, chronic pain can influence the onset of depression and anxiety, or worsen existing mental health conditions. The link here is more complex than people realize. The central nervous system (CNS)—which includes your spinal cord and brain—controls pain signals throughout the body, but the CNS also regulates serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that influence your mood.
While the connection is still being explored, what we do know is that people with depression often experience pain more intensely, while people with chronic pain can develop depression and anxiety as a result of their condition.
It’s important that your healthcare provider considers a psychological treatment plan along with your physical treatment plan, as it may help influence the outcome of your pain management.
Don’t Settle for a One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Your pain is unique. The factors that cause and influence your level of discomfort won’t be the same as someone else’s. When you seek help for your condition at a pain and wellness center, you need experienced providers who can help you identify the origin of your pain.
At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, our professionals design a multi-faceted treatment plan that actively works to reduce your pain and minimize the need for therapies that can impact your quality of life, such as pain medication.
When it comes to your discomfort, don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. A single therapy rarely works for those experiencing intense discomfort. You need a treatment plan that’s as unique as you are to fully address your condition.
Have a Support System in Place
If you suffer from chronic pain, you are not alone. An estimated 50 million adults in the United States alone suffer from long-lasting pain. Having a support system in place can help.
We may be able to recommend support groups where you can find people who understand what you’re going through. It can be all too easy to feel isolated by chronic pain, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s a friend you can count on to be there, a counselor or even an online community, coping with pain can feel a little easier when you have people to turn to who understand your discomfort.
Our Board-Certified Physicians Are Here to Help
The board-certified physicians at Summit Spine & Joint Centers are experienced in helping patients who suffer from debilitating chronic pain manage their conditions and support their mental health. Contact our pain and wellness center today at (770) 962-3642 to make an in-person or virtual appointment and begin feeling better!