Pain is
defined as being chronic or long term when it lasts longer than 3 to 6 months,
or beyond the normal healing time of an injury. This chronic pain may be mild to
severe and doesn’t go away. It can take both a psychological (anxiety, stress,
depression, anger, withdrawal) and physical drain (fatigue, sleeplessness) on
the person experiencing it. There is also evidence that chronic pain can
suppress the immune system, putting the person suffering at further risk of
compromise. With almost 100 million Americans suffering from chronic pain,
there is much that needs to be done with effective treatment that addresses the
psychological as well as the physical aspects.
The most
common sources of chronic pain include back pain, injury/trauma pain,
infection, disease, headaches, joint pain, tendinitis, and pain affecting the
shoulders, pelvis and neck. Muscle or nerve pain can also develop into a
chronic condition causing chronic pain. Some people even have chronic pain in
the absence of past injuries or damage to the body. Chronic pain can decrease
the body’s production of natural painkillers, and with negative feelings
associated with it, can increase the levels of substances in the body that
amplify the sensations of pain. This causes a vicious cycle of pain for the
person suffering.
What can be done?
Since there
is a proven mind and body link with chronic pain, effective treatments need to
address the psychological as well as the physical aspects. Some treatments that
used to be called “alternative” are now considered “mainstream” and there are a
lot of options out there. Just remember to do your homework and discuss any additional
pain treatments with your health care professional.
Some of the
current pain treatments (besides medication and surgery) include
relaxation/stress reduction/distraction techniques, exercise, guided imagery,
chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture, marijuana, behavioral therapy,
hypnosis, biofeedback, music therapy and massage.
Another
option that incorporates many of above methods (relaxation/stress reduction/distraction
techniques, exercise and guided imagery) is the Stanford University Chronic Pain Self-Management Program. This is a
6 week, 2 ½ hour workshop that helps people learn how to self-manage their
pain. Classes are highly participative, where
mutual support and success build the participants’ confidence in their ability
to manage their pain and maintain active and fulfilling lives.
Subjects covered during the 6 weeks include:
·
techniques to deal
with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep
·
appropriate exercise
for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
·
appropriate use of
medications
·
communicating
effectively with family, friends and health professionals
·
nutrition
·
pacing activity and
rest
·
how to evaluate new
treatments
Please join us at our upcoming FREE workshop or recommend it to your
family and friends.
Where:
Country Creek Medical Building
4986 N. Adams Road
Rochester, MI 48306
When:
Every Thursday from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM for 6 weeks
September 22, 2016 through October 27,
2016
To register:
OR
