What is Chronic Pain?
When we suffer from pain we have to decide how to manage it, superficial injuries tend to hurt acutely over a very short period of time, we can address these pains quickly with no long term effects. Some pains tend to be more drawn out; deep bruises or severe headaches, for those we want to use a combination of painkillers and physical therapy, they can impact our lives for a time but they pass. Chronic pain: recurrent, structural, or mechanical pains can stay with us for years, sometimes for the rest of our lives, their impacts go beyond the physical, they sap at our energy, reduce our ability to recover from illnesses, and can be a driver of depression.
Chronic Pain and the Australian Medical System
The Australian medical system, medicine as a whole, is not well equipped to deal with chronic pain. Our strongest painkillers are addictive substances, the likelihood of addiction drastically increasing with long term use of the drugs. The most effective medical interventions are surgical, however for many chronic pain conditions we lack understanding of the exact causes of pain so the success rate of these interventions is widely variable. Our medical system is separated by specializations, teams of doctors specializing in one part of the body, unable to see the bigger picture effectively – leaving patients having to undergo weeks, months, years of testing as doctors painstakingly eliminate one potential cause after another. If you are struggling with chronic pain and feel that you need further help, speak to your GP about seeing a pain specialist, doctors at pain clinics are not only the best equipped to help manage your symptoms, they are also the most understanding about the exasperation that you’ll have experienced and be the most willing to try new approaches.
Finding the right medications to help with your pain can be life-changing. It is important to understand that pain medications work differently and do not simply exist on a scale of strength. While opioids are generally considered the strongest form of pain relief available in modern medicine, they do not work effectively to block all types of pain equally. In some cases over the counter medications can be more effective and in other cases other forms of intervention may be required. In Australia our opioid doses are lower than in the USA though as anyone who has to take them regularly can tell you, they can inhibit your mental functioning leaving you feeling dizzy or tired, this can be a necessary solution as the pain can be far more debilitating but it is one of many reasons to explore and find the right short and long-term solutions to your pain management.
Steps for Personal Care
There are steps you can take in your everyday life to make sure you are living the highest quality life available. These habits can be challenging to establish but will be of great benefit to your mental and physical wellbeing.
Staying educated about your condition is vital. Knowledge can significantly reduce anxiety and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of pain can help demystify the experience, providing a sense of control in a situation that often feels overwhelming.
Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into daily life can also be beneficial. Any mental wellness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga promote stress reduction and enhance mental resilience. These techniques and others can help you stay focused on the present.
Setting realistic goals is essential for maintaining motivation and a sense of control. I tried to fight my illness, to overcome it but I ended up doing more harm than good to my overall wellbeing. Focusing on small, achievable objectives can lead to feelings of accomplishment, countering the helplessness that chronic pain can induce. Whether it’s completing a household task or taking a short walk, celebrating these victories reinforces a positive mindset and encourages continued effort.
Establishing a daily routine can also provide much-needed structure and predictability. Routines can help individuals manage their energy levels and create a sense of normalcy amidst the unpredictability of chronic pain. Knowing what to expect each day can reduce anxiety and enhance feelings of stability.
Incorporating a manageable level of physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. It can be frustrating to not be able to challenge yourself physically as you used to but any level of physical activity is better than nothing, daily walks are an easy way to get the endorphin boost you need to stay positive.
If your chronic pain is gastric like mine it can be very challenging to eat, but regardless of the cause it is essential to maintain a good and balanced food intake.
Practicing gratitude can shift focus from pain to positive aspects of life. Keeping a gratitude journal or practicing daily affirmations can help you to reflect on moments of joy, appreciation, and connection, countering the tendency to dwell on the pain.
Final Thoughts
Each person’s experience with chronic pain is unique, and finding the right combination of strategies may take time. It’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself throughout this journey. Knowing how to manage chronic pain and what you can do in Australia is essential to your wellbeing. By breaking down your life into small manageable goals, keeping yourself healthy in every way you can, you will give yourself the best quality of life possible.
