Pain that lasts for at least three months is considered chronic. Every year, millions of Americans deal with chronic pain all over their body. While there are ways to deal with chronic pain at home, knowing when to see a doctor is essential.
Watch out for warning signs that you must go to a pain clinic for relief. Here are six signs you should consider:
1. Over-the-Counter Medicine No Longer Works
Painkillers are a safe and effective solution for pain in a lot of cases. These include analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxants.
Be aware that taking over-the-counter pain medicine for long periods can cause side effects and other illnesses. You might want to visit your pain management doctor when medications don’t work even at the highest allowed dosage.
Your provider will help you find safer and more potent alternatives for the pain, like steroid injections and nerve blocks. These are much stronger options for pain treatment.
2. You Have Difficulty Sleeping
Getting enough sleep is vital for dealing with recurring pain. Being well-rested also helps with managing stress in the body.
If a patient is sleeping too little, they will be more irritable, tired, and may even gain weight. This only worsens the intensity of chronic pain, especially for pain felt in the back. It’s best to seek a pain management physician if pain prevents you from getting good quality sleep.
3. You Find It Hard to Do Your Usual Tasks
Simple, everyday tasks should not be a struggle. Mild pain should not get in the way of performing your usual activities. You need medical intervention if you find it difficult to maintain a normal lifestyle and fulfill your home and work responsibilities due to chronic pain getting in the way.
Seeking services for a pain management near you can help treat debilitating and continuous pain, so you can go back to living life on your own terms.
4. The Pain Is Causing Other Health Problems
Chronic pain can stop you from living an active lifestyle. A person who once played recreational sports, hiked, and exercised on a regular basis can find themselves sitting on their couch every day due to chronic pain.
Living a sedentary lifestyle due to chronic pain is a big sign you need to go to a pain clinic. Sedentary living comes with a host of health problems, such as obesity, high cholesterol, risk of diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
5. Chronic Pain is Causing You Anxiety or Depression
Patients who suffer from chronic pain are more likely to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. More than just worrying over their condition, they also feel helpless and extremely limited in life because of the symptoms.
If you’re feeling overly anxious or depressed, it’s a sign that you should pay a visit to a pain clinic. Your doctor may refer you to a psychologist who can better help you navigate through your emotions. Psychological intervention is crucial when dealing with chronic pain, because anxiety and depression affect your ability to deal with pain. A sound mind is ideal for pain management and recovery.
When you overcome chronic pain, it will do wonders to your mental health, too.
6. The Pain Recurs Even After Treatment
Patients who have already received treatment but continue to feel pain should visit a trusted pain clinic. Usually, a chronic pain patient will receive various treatments from their primary care doctor and even specialists. These can include injectables, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
If the pain persists after treatment, your doctor may recommend pain management services at a pain clinic. The treatments and care you receive at a pain clinic is different than any other doctor’s services. Their focus is on pain management, and they have a wide range of state-of-the-art treatments not found through primary care offices or even orthopedic offices.
Trusted Pain Clinic Near You In Melbourne, FL
Are you looking for a reputable and trusted pain clinic near you? Central Florida Spine & Pain is a top-notch clinic catering to all types of chronic pain. Dr. Nicholas Giordano, our board-certified interventional pain management doctor, heads our team of experts.
We offer high-quality treatments and techniques for our patients. These consist of guided injections, physical therapy, and medical technology that helps manage chronic pain symptoms.
You may call (321) 802-5021 for inquiries. You can also use our online request form to book an appointment with the best pain management doctors near you.
