- Chronic Pain Treatment Should Be Effective Within a Short Period
There is no quick fix for chronic pain as pain modifies the way the central nervous system works, resulting in people becoming more sensitive and getting more pain with less provocation. The best treatment for chronic pain is a multimodal approach using a biopsychosocial model.
- If You Look Healthy, You Cannot Be in Pain
The adage “don’t judge a book by its cover” applies to people who have suffered with pain for a long time. They become adept at hiding their pain, sometimes to their own detriment. Keep in mind that people with chronic pain even on their good days are experiencing some level of pain.
- If You Cannot Find the Exact Cause of Your Pain Then It Must Be in Your Head
It is not always possible to find the exact cause of the pain. Chronic pain modifies the way the central nervous system works, resulting in people becoming more sensitive and getting more pain with less provocation. We all feel pain and your pain is real.
- Medication Is the Only Way to Manage Pain
While medication may assist you initially manage your pain it is not always sustainable in the long term, due to side- effects and the body building up a tolerance to the medication. A combination of medication along with a bio-psycho-social approach is a more effective way to manage your pain.
- If You Have Failed to Control Your Pain in the Past, You Will Fail Now
Persistent pain is not necessarily a life sentence. With the right help and support you can train your brain to desensitize from pain. Your brain is neuroplastic which means it can unlearn chronic pain and de-sensitise. The more we re-train our brain the better we get at managing chronic pain.
- Pain Reduced Through Stress Management Techniques is Imaginary Pain
Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between an increase in pain, and stress levels. Learning to manage your stress using exercise, meditation and relaxation techniques can relax the body and mind and help reduce your pain levels. - Your Pain Will Improve if You Remain Inactive and Avoid All Physical Activity
Initially, pain is a protective response, that informs us of potential harm or damage to our bodies. However, with chronic pain our nervous system changes in response to pain. Pain does not equal tissue damage. Keep moving within your functional limitations. Remember “MOTION IS LOTION”. - You Can Injure Yourself Further if You Exercise With Pain
Not exercising or being active could cause your pain to actually increase. A daily exercise routine that focuses on strength and conditioning could help you better manage your chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about a referral to a good Exercise Physiologist to help you get started with a safe exercise routine to suit your functional limitations.
All the myths surrounding chronic pain can be very confusing. Reach out if you need support or assistance with dealing with chronic pain, or if you have any questions about chronic pain.
