Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a constant struggle for those suffering with it every day. It disrupts their lives and their well-being, in some cases stopping them from doing what they love. Though categorised by long-term pain, typically without tissue damage or persisting past the time of tissue healing; it’s a complex and multi-factorial condition that needs to be expertly managed.
It often begins with an initial injury or condition, which triggers your body’s pain response. In general pain is normal, it’s our body telling us that we have some damaged tissue that needs protecting. However, in some cases, the nervous system can become oversensitive, amplifying the pain signals and causing it to persist even after the initial injury has healed. Some patients tend to suffer chronic pain in specific body parts – usually referred to as peripheral sensitisation while other patients suffer from increased pain throughout the body, known as central sensitisation.
Long term pain can take a toll on your mental health; stress, anxiety, and depression are common companions with Chronic Pain. Mental health conditions can also have a negative affect on the bodies ability to interpret pain correctly, generally not allowing it to inhibit pain as well as it should. Sometimes this can create a negative feed-back loop, essentially your body can ‘learn’ to feel pain. Luckily the nervous system is extremely adaptable and is able to make positive changes too! Any pain that can be learnt, can also be unlearnt with a good plan and proper execution.
So what can we do about it?
At Smart Health & Performance, we understand Chronic pain, and we are here to help you.
We have a range of treatment modalities available for Chronic Pain suffers. Every patient is different, so the first step is a proper diagnosis from our Chiropractor – Dr. Clancy Smart-D’Ettorre, who will discuss your options and help individualise your care.
What to expect:
- A proper diagnosis and plan going forward
- Individualised care
- At home strategies to enhance your recovery (Generally involving stretching, exercise & mobility training)
- An open discussion at any time, based on what you need
- Long-term strategies for prevention, breaking the chronic-pain cycle
- Education on Chronic pain and the nervous system
Conclusion:
Understanding Chronic pain and knowing there are options out there is the first step toward regaining control of your life. At Smart Health & Performance, we’re committed to helping you manage and alleviate chronic pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
