Pain is your body’s natural way of communicating. Sometimes it may be due to minor causes like fatigue or severe underlying disorders like osteoarthritis. Either way, if your pain doesn’t respond to rest and over-the-counter medications, you may need professional help. Several myths may, however, interfere with your decision to seek treatment. If you have any doubts, you can trust the skilled team at Yancey Pain & Spine to address them and set you on the right track.
Pain is a natural side effect of aging.
The idea that pain is a natural side effect of aging is a common myth perpetuated in society for years. While it is true that the likelihood of experiencing pain increases with age, it is not an inevitable or natural consequence of aging. You can maintain your physical health and remain pain-free well into your golden years. Pain is often the result of underlying medical conditions or injuries, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or past accidents. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress can contribute to pain. It is crucial to take an active role in managing your health by staying active, eating a healthy diet, and seeking medical attention when necessary. Doing so can reduce the likelihood of experiencing pain and help you enjoy a higher quality of life as you age.
Chronic pain can kill you.
While chronic pain can cause great suffering and significantly impact your quality of life, it is not inherently deadly. In fact, many people with chronic pain can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives with the help of medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. While chronic pain can be challenging, it is not an immediate threat to your life. You can manage chronic pain effectively and live a happy, fulfilling life with proper care and management.
You can worsen the pain by exercising.
Medical experts mostly recommend physical therapy consisting of light to moderate exercises to minimize stress and enhance blood flow. Additionally, physical activity can improve your mood since you can develop anxiety and depression due to the pain. However, avoiding intense exercises would help as they can exacerbate the underlying issue.
Everything living with chronic pain is addicted to pain medication.
Dr.Yancey offers several treatment options, meaning you don’t have to take them if you are worried about addiction. During your initial appointment, he may discuss your symptoms and work with you to develop a treatment plan to alleviate your pain without risking addiction. If your treatment plan requires opioid therapy, the team will closely monitor your dosage to prevent addiction.
There is always an underlying cause for chronic pain.
Chronic pain doesn’t always have a precise cause, and if there is one, Dr. Yancey cooperates with his team to develop an individualized treatment plan to address the root cause. Sometimes diagnosing the underlying trigger of your pain requires time, patience, and cutting-edge diagnostic equipment. Sometimes, your provider might conduct several tests including CT scans and blood work to get an accurate diagnosis.
Chronic pain is not inevitable; with proper treatment, you can live your life to the fullest. To explore the available chronic pain treatment options, call Dr. Yancey or schedule an appointment online.
