Is chronic pain starting to impact your daily life? You're not alone. In fact, pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical attention.
About 50 million US adults now suffer from chronic pain. High-impact pain (which interferes with work or everyday activities) affects 20 million adults.
Don't let your chronic pain impact your quality of life. If these seven pain signs sound familiar, it's time to seek help. Going to a professional could help you put an end to your chronic pain.
They can help by developing a customized treatment plan based on the root cause of your symptoms.
Don't ignore these warnings that it's time to visit a pain doctor. Instead, read on to discover the signs you need to schedule an appointment today.
1. The Pain Persists
Many people become so accustomed to their chronic muscle pain or back pain that they start to ignore it. If your pain persists beyond a few weeks, consider visiting a doctor. Chances are, the pain isn't going to fade on its own.
Waiting to seek help could waste valuable time. In fact, your pain might even get worse.
Remember, chronic pain can impact your ability to complete certain activities. It might start to impact your quality of life as a result.
For example, you might struggle to play with your kids or grandchild. You might struggle to get through a day of work, too. You might even start calling in sick, impacting your income.
If you continue calling in sick due to chronic pain, consider going to a professional. Otherwise, you might find yourself out of a job soon enough.
Visiting a pain management doctor will help you realize the root cause of your symptoms. Your pain doctor can help determine the best course of treatment for easing your symptoms. They can also help you determine if there are lifestyle changes you need to make.
For example, they might suggest you add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet like garlic and turmeric. They might recommend supplements, exercises, or changing your work environment.
You might want to consider switching to a standing desk or ergonomic chair to improve your posture.
Even repeating the same motions over time (while playing sports or working) can cause muscle pain and other symptoms.
Going to a professional can keep the pain from persisting further.
2. It's Painful to Move
In some cases, your pain can get worse when you move. These pain signs could indicate you need to visit a professional. Look for a board-certified pain specialist in your area.
Let them know which specific movements are making your pain worse or better.
Keep a record of the symptoms you experience in the meantime. For example, perhaps you experience a tingling sensation when you move. Maybe you only notice the pain after sitting for long periods of time.
Let your pain specialist know about the symptoms you've experienced in the past.
They'll use your notes to determine where the pain is coming from. For example, they might use selective nerve-rooting blocking techniques. Some specialists use pain mapping.
Understanding the root cause of your pain can help your doctor develop your customized treatment plan.
3. Pain Impacts Daily Activities
One of the biggest pain indications you might experience is changes in your daily routine. For example, you might find your mobility and range of motion have changed. Perhaps your pain is making it difficult for you to complete specific activities.
Remember, chronic muscle or back pain could impact your ability to work, too.
You might also struggle to remain physically active. Exercising could ease your pain, though.
If you find yourself no longer able to enjoy your favorite activities, consider going to a professional pain specialist.
4. Medications Don't Help
After a while, over-the-counter pain medications won't work as effectively as they did in the past. Your body might develop a tolerance over time. You shouldn't have to rely on over-the-counter painkillers to ease your symptoms, though.
If medications aren't working anymore, consider these pain signs and visit a specialist.
In fact, relying on medications could become dangerous. You might develop an addiction or begin experiencing side effects.
Your pain specialist can help you find a solution that doesn't require over-the-counter medications. You can also combine their treatment plan with holistic options like acupuncture or physical therapy. Finding the right combination of treatments can ease your pain without painkillers.
5. You Want to Avoid Surgery
If your symptoms are bad enough, a physician might recommend surgery. Unfortunately, surgery is often costly. It also comes with a long list of side effects.
You might find yourself out of work while you heal, too.
If a doctor recommends surgery and you want to avoid it, consider visiting a pain specialist instead. Let them know about the pain signs and symptoms you're experiencing. They might offer a solution outside of surgery.
Their treatments can help you get back to your daily life without surgery interrupting your routine.
6. Pain is Affecting Your Sleep
You need about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Otherwise, sleep deprivation can cause:
High blood pressure
Mood swings
Increased risk of an accident
Weight gain
Poor balance
Increased risk of diabetes or heart disease
Weakened immunity
Difficulty concentrating
Pain could impact your ability to fall asleep each night. If you're not getting enough sleep, it could impact your daily routine.
Talk to a pain specialist if you're struggling to get enough sleep. Take these warnings seriously. Otherwise, your health could continue to deteriorate.
7. The Pain is Radiating
You might notice your pain is radiating over your leg, arm, or entire body. Some patients begin experiencing numbness or tingling sensations.
If your symptoms are starting to change, talk to a pain specialist right away.
Get Help: 7 Pains Signs That Indicate You Need to Visit a Pro
You don't have to live life in pain. If these pain signs sound familiar, consider going to a professional pain specialist right away. They'll help by developing a customized treatment plan based on your needs.
They can put an end to your chronic pain, improving your quality of life for years to come.
Eager to speak with a specialist? We're here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.