Chronic pain can look different for everyone, so it’s no wonder there are many misconceptions about it. We debunk some common myths about chronic pain and offer alternative treatment plans.
Chronic pain is any pain that lasts for three months or longer. No matter the root cause, chronic pain can be debilitating and really affect your quality of life. Chronic pain can affect almost anywhere in your body, with burning, throbbing, or aching. There are many misconceptions surrounding chronic pain, from how to manage it to what causes it. Ashley Johnson, DO, and our team at Colorado Recovery Solutions wants to bust some common myths surrounding chronic pain so you can have correct information on how to treat and manage your own.
Myth 1: Pain comes with aging Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean that chronic pain should be guaranteed. If you find yourself in constant pain due to arthritis, back pain, or nerve pain, don’t count it as simply part of the wear and tear on your body. Make sure to seek treatment for your pain to get some relief.
Myth 2: You can ignore chronic pain Never ignore pain that lasts for more than a couple weeks. Not only could it be the result of an underlying health condition, but there’s also no reason you should be pushing through pain unnecessarily.
Myth 3: You can become addicted to painkillers As long as you take prescription painkillers as directed, they rarely cause addiction. If you’re worried about narcotic addiction, make a plan with your provider to ensure you’re taking the correct dosage for the right amount of time.
Myth 4: Exercising while in pain makes it worse While overdoing a workout can cause more injury, physical activity can actually give you relief. Exercise can enhance blood flow and oxygen levels, which lessens pain and improves your mood.
Myth 5: Your mindset does not affect pain levels If you find yourself dwelling on your pain levels often, it can actually make your pain more severe. Trying out different methods to manage your chronic pain can help shift your mindset and ease your pain.
How to treat your chronic pain
While over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs are often used to treat different chronic pain conditions, there are other options that Dr. Ashley Johnson offers at Colorado Recovery Solutions. One of these treatment options is ketamine infusions. Ketamine has properties that are able to block pain reception in your brain, similar to over-the-counter pain medication. However, it’s a non-opioid and neuro-regenerative solution to manage chronic pain. At Colorado Recovery Solutions, you can receive ketamine infusions for pain management, especially if you feel other options haven’t been effective. The effects on your brain can continue for weeks, lasting much longer than prescription pain medication.
To learn more about treating your chronic pain, contact our office at 719-622-6522 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, or use our online form to request an appointment today.
