Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) Questions Chronic Pain

What can I do for my chronic pain?

I've been suffering from chronic pain over the past year and a half, and I feel like nothing ever works. What can I do to relieve this pain?

7 Answers

Sounds like you need more specialized guidance. Look up physiatrists in your area and see one who can help you understand why you are hurting and prescribe treatments that can maintain your function despite your pain, and, possibly even reduce your pain
Consider Stem cell or Regenerative Medicine- it can help chronic pain
I suggest you see a physical medicine and rehab specialist. Here's how to find one in your area.
https://members.aapmr.org/AAPMR/AAPMR_FINDER.aspx
There are various ways of addressing chronic pain. When I treat patients with chronic pain I try to get down to the source of the pain whether it is from an injury 10 years ago or from a more recent change in activity levels/nutrition. Unfortunately, the source of chronic pain varies. I would find a healthcare professional who will help you find the source of your symptoms and treat you accordingly.
Chronic pain, nothing worse. There are a million and one conditions that can cause chronic pain. Firstly, you have to have a head-to-toe examination. My advice is to see a physiatrist. Secondly, pills only mask the problem. Physical therapy helps keep joints well, but in chronic pain patients, I find they are not inclined to do any exercise due to the pain and lack of energy. Water therapy is the best for you, even getting into a warm bath with epsom salts and doing some leg lifts and arm movements help. With chronic pain, it can be a form of fibromyalgia. Relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, all can help, but you need a definitive diagnosis. I wish I could help you more, but please have a consultation with a physiatrist.
When you hurt yourself, the injury turns on pain sensors in that area. They send a message in the form of an electrical signal, which travels from nerve to nerve until it reaches your brain. Your brain processes the signal and sends out the message that you hurt. Chronic pain is a result of nerve signals continuing to fire even after you've healed. If you hurt and it doesn’t seem to get better, see your primary care doctor or a pain specialist. They can help you find relief so pain won’t keep you from living your life. Some options include medicine, relaxation therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep and not smoking.
Chronic pain is difficult to manage for many people, as it becomes almost ingrained into your conciousness of reality and everday life. Also fear avoidance as a secondary symptom may take hold and change your willingness to perform activities that you may normally perform had you not experienced these symptoms.

There are a multitude of studies that have shown that a combination of Pain Management with Physical Therapeutic interventions can assist with pain modification and truly address both your current pain and also the root causative factors of what started your pain initially. Talk to a PCP and PT and get evaluated so that you can start the process of helping yourself out of your current situation.