Too often, chronic pain sufferers look for the wrong resources or do not get the right advice they need to overcome their pain. Many people who have tried to overcome their pain have tried a wide variety of remedies, ranging from working with their healthcare provider to trying alternative therapies. Some individuals who suffer from chronic pain get locked into a cycle of addiction through prescribed medications or other substances. Breaking the cycle of pain involves changing how the mind and body process pain. Pain management courses can help overcome chronic pain and the vicious cycle associated with it.
The Stigma of Chronic Pain
People who suffer from chronic pain deal with a plethora of issues besides the pain itself. When chronic pain goes untreated, it can lead to decreased enjoyment of normal activities, difficulties with relationships, and the inability to work.
In Australia, there are not enough general practitioners to keep up with the number of people who experience chronic pain. According to Hospital + Healthcare, in 2015, there were only 275 pain management specialists practicing in Australia. Here are some of the common issues faced by chronic pain sufferers:
- Many see multiple doctors who prescribe a wide array of antidepressants and painkillers.
- Over time, mental health issues also accrue, increasing the burden already caused by the pain.
- Additionally, chronic pain sufferers are in situations where their family, friends, and employers do not fully understand their condition.
Perhaps one of the biggest stigmas of chronic pain is that it frequently comes with a disease, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Some chronic pain sufferers also deal with pain where there is no underlying cause.
Overcoming the Cycle of Pain With a Pain Management Course
The cycle of chronic pain is difficult to overcome alone or even with medical help. The stigma of pain produces negative emotions and stress. The notion of a “fight-or-flight” response, also known as an acute stress response, can create unhealthy habits or addictions.
Breaking the cycle of pain involves learning to overcome how the body and mind process and deal with pain. This includes:
- Identifying the cause of the pain and what is triggering it now.
- Learning what triggered the pain in the past.
- Removing the root cause of the pain and changing how the body processes it.
Here are some of the benefits of working with a pain management consultant or taking a pain management course through Alleviate Pain:
- One-on-one coaching to help get results.
- Some courses include access to online courses, videos, and other resources to learn ways to deal with chronic pain and apply what you have learned.
- Access to a Facebook Group for a sense of community to deal with the stigma of isolation that chronic pain can produce.
