The Pain Away Team
Dedicated to a World Free of Chronic Pain
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is a persistent and prolonged sensation of pain that extends beyond the normal healing period of an injury or illness. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a temporary warning signal, chronic pain lingers for months or even years.
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The nature of chronic pain can differ greatly, ranging from a dull ache to sharp and debilitating sensations.
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Chronic pain occurs with different patterns:
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Episodic recurring pain (for example a Migraine)
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Always present, fluctuating pain with flare-ups of intensity (for example many forms of joint pain)
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It can stem from various causes such as underlying medical conditions, injuries, stress (physical, emotional, psychological), or unknown origins.
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Psychological and/or environmental factors typically play a role in pain intensity and triggering of flare-ups.
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Its impact reaches beyond physical discomfort, affecting one's emotional well-being, sleep, and ability to carry out daily activities.
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Response to traditional therapy such as pain medication (tablets or injections) is temporary at best and may exacerbate symptoms in the long run or introduce additional problems such as addiction and other side effects.
Typical Experiences Include:
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Constant Adjustment of Daily Routines: Modifying activities and schedules to accommodate pain levels.
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Dependency on Medications: Relying on pain relief medications to manage day-to-day activities.
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Challenges in Employment: Struggling to maintain employment due to pain-related limitations and absences.
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Difficulty in Maintaining Relationships: Pain and its psychological impacts can strain personal relationships.
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Financial Stress: The costs associated with ongoing medical care, treatments, and potential loss of income can lead to significant financial strain.
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Social Withdrawal: Gradually withdrawing from social activities and hobbies that were once enjoyed.
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Seeking Alternative Therapies: Exploring a wide range of treatments outside of conventional medicine in the hope of finding relief.
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Impact on Identity and Self-Esteem: Feeling a loss of identity and decreased self-esteem due to the limitations imposed by chronic pain.
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Navigation of the Healthcare System: Experiencing the complexity and frustration of dealing with healthcare systems and professionals in search of effective treatment.
Typical Physical Symptoms Include:
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Pain: The most obvious symptom, varying greatly in intensity, location, and type (aching, burning, tingling, etc.).
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Fatigue: Often linked to chronic pain, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.
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Sleep Disturbances: Pain can disrupt the ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, contributing to exhaustion.
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Loss of Function: Depending on the location and severity of pain, it can limit everyday activities like walking, working, or engaging in hobbies.
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Stiffness and Muscle Tension: Chronic pain can cause muscles to tighten and joints to stiffen, further restricting movement.
Typical Psychological Symptoms Include:
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Frustration: None of the help you have sought has brought the appropriate relief.
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Anxiety: Persistent chronic pain, the associated pain exacerbations, and resulting uncertainties lead to anxiety.
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Isolation: The constant discomfort associated with chronic pain limits your ability and drive for social interactions and activities, making you feel cut off and isolated from friends and loved ones.
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Feeling Overwhelmed and Stressed: Managing chronic pain, medical appointments, and the emotional toll creates a feeling of being overloaded and barely able to cope.
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Depressed Mood: Chronic pain contributes to feelings of sadness or mood depression, as coping with persistent discomfort is emotionally draining.
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Anger: Directed towards the chronic pain condition, the perceived lack of understanding and support from others, or yourself.
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Feeling Misunderstood: By healthcare professionals, family, and friends who may not be able to comprehend your suffering, especially when physical findings do not appear to correlate with the pain experienced.
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Hopelessness: Doubting whether you will ever experience relief or regain a sense of normalcy in your life.
The Pain Away Team guides you to a transformed life by relieving your suffering from chronic pain
