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Top Chronic Pain Myths

Chronic pain is a major issue in healthcare today and the myths surrounding it can cause a lot more harm than good. Most people don’t rank it highly in terms of a serious issue but its effects can be life altering. Some people might just assume pain is a part of getting older, but it could point to a more serious issue. Read on to learn more about the top chronic pain myths and when you should seek treatment from a qualified pain specialist in Orange County.

What is Chronic Pain?

Most experts define chronic pain as pain that lasts for at least six months. This pain might be the result of an injury or existing medical problem or there might be an ongoing cause, such as arthritis. But there are other people suffering from chronic pain that don’t have an injury or illness.

Common Myths

It’s “all in your head.”

One of the most common myths for many dealing with chronic pain is that the pain is just “in their head.” What people must understand is that chronic pain is a legitimate medical condition requiring treatment. If your regular doctor can’t help you, then you should look into a pain management specialist that is specifically trained to understand and treat common and even unusual conditions causing your ongoing pain.

Painkiller Addiction

Another dangerous myth involves the belief that people can become addicted to pain killers if they take them too long. It’s important to know that this risk of addiction is exaggerated. Opiates can be very effective in dealing with different types of pain and doctors can prescribe them safely. There is a big difference between addiction and physical dependence from pain relievers. This can sometimes produce drug dependence which is when the body is used to the presence of a drug, but this is not the same as addiction which can be characterized by a compulsive craving for a drug resulting in harm to the user.

COX-2 Inhibitors

And let’s debunk another myth while we’re talking about medication, you won’t automatically get a heart attack from taking COX-2 inhibitors for your chronic pain. For the most part, the benefits of these medications far outweigh the risks for chronic pain patients. However, there are a very small percentage of patients who do suffer from heart attacks and other vascular problems.

Pain Only Comes with Age

Many believe that pain just comes with getting older. While there is some truth to this, the normal wear and tear that comes with age is very different from chronic pain. Ignoring pain or just attributing it to age can be very dangerous, especially if a person is self medicating rather than getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a pain management specialist.

Dwelling on Pain

Some people who suffer from chronic pain might be told that dwelling on it won’t make it any worse, but this is not necessarily true. The psychological impact of focusing on your physical pain can actually emphasize it. If the pain is severe enough, it will no doubt have a major effect on your quality of life. This can lead to feelings of suicide if severe enough. Again, this is when family members need to get help from a professional pain management specialist.

Pain Specialist in Orange County

If you aren’t sure what is triggering your chronic pain, a consultation with the Centers of Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine might be your best option. Meet the team and discover your treatment options from a personalized pain specialist in Orange County. Don’t spend another day in pain. Schedule your consultation today.