Pain, whether acute or chronic, can be devastating and is unfortunately an everyday reality for many people that affects their quality of life. Acute pain generally lasts less than four weeks and chronic pain lasts longer than three months, it may be ongoing or come and go. Living with pain can be debilitating for the individual and can be caused by a variety of underlying issues including but not limited to: injury, surgery recovery, arthritis, back/neck pain, headaches, generalized muscle pain, damaged nerves, and many diseases/conditions. Effective pain management can reduce pain, improve function, and improve quality of life allowing individuals to enjoy the activities they enjoy most. Traditionally, opiates were prescribed to address pain issues, but recently the medical community has encouraged new methods of treatment such as:
- Botox injections,
- Brain retraining,
- Physical therapy,
- Acupuncture,
- Stretching/yoga/tai chi/exercise
- Individualized treatments depending on the location, type, and severity of pain.
If you or someone you know suffers from pain, the Skokie HHS encourages you to contact your primary care provider and discuss your options for pain relief. Make a note to discuss the following;
- Your health history
- How your activities are impacted by pain, and
- What you hope to gain from managing your pain
For more information on pain please visit:
September is Pain Awareness Month | Johns Hopkins Medicine
September is Pain Awareness Month -- and NIH is Listening | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke