It’s normal to occasionally feel pain, from migraines to aching feet. However, if your symptoms persist longer than three months, they can be deemed chronic. Daily pain frequently results from more serious problems that need medical treatment. The sooner these causes are treated, the better.
Look out for these six typical indications that its time to stop using OTC medications and visit a pain management specialist:
1. You’re having trouble performing daily activities
Your daily life might be stressful enough. It shouldn’t be made worse by the pain that results from carrying out routine tasks like opening a door or reaching a high shelf. Although it’s usual for an injury or discomfort to flare up and produce such concerns if they persist for a long time, it’s definitely something to pay attention to.
2. Your symptoms radiate to other parts of your body
If your pain extends to your limbs or other parts of your body, you should visit a pain management clinic right away. In addition to the radiating pain, keep an eye out for loss of sensation, pins and needles, and other similar symptoms. These symptoms are commonly associated with slipped discs, pinched nerves, and other potentially dangerous conditions that need medical attention.
3. Your symptoms make it difficult to sleep
It’s time to contact a pain management specialist if your symptoms result in difficulty sleeping. Rest is essential for normal fiction of your entire body, and if the pain interferes, it will start to have an even greater impact on other areas of your health.
4. OTC medications fail to provide results
Using painkillers in moderation is fine. However, since they won’t address the underlying culprit behind your symptoms, they would essentially only postpone your recovery. Furthermore, if taken for an extended length of time, even over-the-counter drugs might result in major health problems. A pain management specialist will help you achieve pain relief faster by lowering your reliance on medication.
5. Your symptoms worsen with specific movements
The board-certified pain management experts will do a full-body examination to determine the root cause of your symptoms, whether it is triggered by bending over or climbing stairs. From there, they’ll be able to offer much-needed relief using interventional pain management techniques.
6. It is difficult for you to engage in your favorite hobbies
Everyone has interests and pastimes that define who they are. Whether it’s gardening or golf, these hobbies are good for the mind and the body. Unfortunately, when we quit doing something we love, we lose much more than just a hobby. Avoiding activities might cause mood changes that significantly worsen the effects of chronic pain. The pain specialists can help you identify the issue if you have trouble getting back out there.
7. You’ve suffered a traumatic injury
It may seem obvious to seek medical care after an accident, but many individuals overestimate how well their bodies have healed. For example, a fracture may appear tiny, but it may potentially harm nearby tissues, such as spinal nerves, with disastrous results. Hence, if pain persists after an accident, no matter how minor it may be, seek the advice of a pain management specialist.
The bottom line
Are you ready to resume your pain-free life? Whatever your health goals are, from sleeping through the night to starting to exercise again, pain management professionals can help you achieve them. The specialists will pay close attention to your complaints, assess the cause of your pain, and determine the best course of action to provide you with immediate pain relief while preventing further problems.
