While we usually associate pain with physical damage or injury, chronic pain can persist long after healing. But one of the most important steps to healing chronic pain is understanding it. Let’s break down how chronic pain often develops:
- An injury occurs or a disease develops
- Various nerves send information from the problematic areas in the body to the brain
- The brain determines if action must be taken to prevent further harm
- When the pain is constant, the brain and nervous system switch to high alert, making them extremely sensitive
- This sensitivity makes the brain interpret many sensations as threatening
- This makes the brain send more pain signals to your body even if there’s no actual threat
- At this point, emotions, stress, or reactions to external life factors can trigger physical pain when no threat or injury is present
It’s important to remember that when you’re experiencing this pain, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your condition is worsening. Most often, this only means that your nervous system is becoming more sensitive.
Chronic Pain Stats
Here are some more facts about chronic pain that can help you understand this condition—and start to combat it.
Most Common Chronic Pain Diagnoses
- Back pain is the leading cause of disability and lost productivity in the workplace
- Migraines are the 3rd most common disease in the world, affecting 1 out of 7 people
- About 50% of U.S. adults with arthritis suffer from persistent pain
- Chronic nerve pain affects 3-17% of adults
A Costly Condition
- The estimated total annual value of lost productivity due to chronic pain is $300 billion
- Patients with moderate pain average $4,516 more in healthcare costs annually
Long-lasting and Far-Reaching
- Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than 3 months
- 1 in 5 adults in the US experiences chronic pain
Mental Health Impacts
- People with chronic pain are 3x more likely to develop depression and anxiety
- Roughly 21-29% of patients misuse opioids prescribed for their chronic pain
The Role of Physical Therapy and Chronic Pain
Physical therapists are your partners in health and will work with you and the rest of your medical care team to get to the root cause of your pain. Some of the ways physical therapy can empower you to overcome pain include:
Education About Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is often caused by a heightened sensitivity in the brain, not an actual injury. By educating patients on the reasons behind their pain, physical therapists can lessen their fear and apprehension as they begin to understand that the pain is just a sensation, not something that’s actually harming their bodies.
Exercise for Chronic Pain
Exercise is proven to decrease inflammation, increase mobility, mobilize nervous tissue, and reduce pain sensitivity by up to 60%. Your physical therapist will be able to prescribe the best stretches and exercises that specifically target and mitigate your pain for short- and long-term relief.
Manual Therapy for Chronic Pain
Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts with specialty training and skills. Based on your needs, services may include:
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
Working Together to Help You Overcome Chronic Pain
Finding relief for your chronic pain is possible, and as a member of your healthcare team, your physical therapist is your partner. They will work alongside of you to complement the care of your other healthcare professionals and put you at the center of healing. Together, you will be empowered to reach optimal health with a life full of motion.
Don’t suffer in pain any longer! Take action today to achieve new heights in health in your future. To schedule an evaluation, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below.
Tags: healthcare team, Chronic Pain, opioids, pain management
