What It’s Like to Live with Chronic Pain

Life with Chronic PainAnyone who lives with chronic pain can tell you that it’s truly life-altering. Activities that are often taken for granted may become a challenge, and the everyday routines that were once ‘standard procedure’ can ultimately become impossible to maintain.

Here are just a few of the many struggles chronic pain sufferers are all too familiar with:

Life can be like a roller coaster when you live with chronic pain.

One day the pain may be manageable, and the next day the symptoms may be especially intense. Sufferers often don’t know what to expect when they awaken each day, which compounds any anxiety they may already be feeling about their physical condition.

Loved ones don’t always understand chronic pain

Those who want to help in some way when a friend or family member is in pain are well-meaning, 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.

Those who want to help don’t always ‘get it right’

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.

Sufferers who need pain medications often experience anxiety

Many people don’t really want to take prescription pain meds, yet must rely on them to make chronic pain manageable when pain persists even after surgery or other treatments have failed.

But they may also be apprehensive about potential addiction, or issues with paperwork/insurance that can delay the meds that provide much-needed relief. Being ‘tied’ to a pain medicine regimen can cause anxiety in itself, on top of the stress associated with daily, ongoing pain.

Chronic pain changes everyday life

It goes without saying that when someone has 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 bullet for chronic pain relief

When the only thing a pain sufferer longs for is complete and immediate relief, it would be wonderful if there was a pill or single therapy that would ‘miraculously’ wipe away discomfort. 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.

In a future article, we’ll provide some practical examples of steps you can take to help you cope with chronic pain and the struggles that go with it. In the meantime, here’s a sneak preview of the #1 thing you can do to get back on the road to better living: 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.

There’s no point in trying to ‘tough it out’ or ‘go it alone’, especially when chronic pain has already taken so much of your time and energy. Getting advice from a pain physician will ensure that you understand all available options, and help lift some of the weight from your already-burdened shoulders.

If Chronic Pain is Keeping You Down, We Can Help.

At Florida Pain Relief Centers, our expert pain management specialists are dedicated to providing powerful, minimally invasive procedures and treatments based on the individual needs of each patient.

Our specialists are highly skilled and ready to consult with you to find the most effective treatment based on your unique situation and the nature of your pain. We’ll work together with you to help minimize your pain and restore the quality of life you deserve to enjoy.

Call Florida Pain Relief Centers today at 800.215.0029 or click the button below to schedule your visit online.

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