With its links to a slew of debilitating side effects, chronic pain is easily one of the most prevalent epidemics in the US. Just over 20% of American adults report a recurring battle with chronic pain. If you’re one of millions who live with one or more of these conditions, you can find resources to aid in healing. From support groups to holistic remedies, the options for pain management are endless. Here are just a few basic tips for keeping your chronic pain at bay.
Understanding chronic pain
According to recent studies, 1 in 5 adults in the US live with chronic pain. Those diagnosed with chronic pain experience mild or intense pain either daily or almost daily for a minimum of 6 months. Nearly 20 million of these patients state their daily functioning is severely harmed by their condition. For many, pain reaches a point of disability, limiting even minuscule, daily activities.
Patients with chronic pain commonly present with other symptoms such as nausea, chronic migraines, sensory sensitivity, sleep disruption, muscle tension, and much more. Managing these various symptoms along with the chronic aches and pains can be overwhelming physically, emotionally, and financially. The Center for Disease Control estimates that nearly $560 billion is spent on chronic pain expenses per year.
Therapy
Many patients who regularly battle pain find themselves struggling with their mental health as well. Depression and chronic pain often exist in a vicious cycle of cause and effect. Over time, pain can become overwhelming to the point of defeat. Sleep is often disrupted in chronic pain patients, greatly affecting their cognitive functions. If you relate to these patients, there are resources available to help you cope. Therapists all around the US specialize in pain management. From support groups to individual therapy, there are programs in place to help you find practical help with your condition.
The Therapy Group of NYC is a practice with licensed therapists who implement science-based strategies. Traditional methods aim to resolve issues and send patients on their way, while NYC Group strives for long-term solutions. The goal of these compassionate, trustworthy professionals is to equip their patients with both short-term and long-term tools for coping with their daily stressors. Finding practical, realistic ways to cope with your condition is the key to continued mental well-being. For more information on this group and their unique methods, visit nyctherapy.com.
Holistic medicine
You can find an array of holistic and homeopathic remedies in today’s society. It seems like anyone can cure you of your ailments with just a sample of their all-natural products. Before committing to a monthly subscription of exotic oils and creams, it’s important to do your research. Working with a doctor specializing in holistic medicine can be an effective way to find possible deficiencies or elevations in your body. While many chronic pain conditions are incurable, treating individual symptoms can lessen overall suffering.
Holistic remedies can be successful without the worrisome side effects of traditional medicine, making them the preferred method of treatment for many patients. With the aid of products like essential oils, CBD, and herbal teas, relief from chronic pain is entirely possible. Each patient will find varying degrees of relief, so it’s important to keep an open mind. Be sure to give each treatment option ample time to work, because some can take continued use to show maximum effects.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to chronic pain. What works for another patient may have opposite results for you. The most important thing to remember as a patient with chronic pain is that you’re not alone, and there are resources in place to help you.