Chronic Pain Management Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
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There’s an art—and a science—to taking care of chronic pain. It begins with getting a good diagnosis. Knowing the true cause of your pain is essential for getting the right care, but people with chronic pain may spend up to a year—and visit many doctors—before getting an accurate diagnosis. Staying up-to-date with new information about treatments for your particular condition is also vital. Many people with chronic pain simply take over-the-counter or prescription pain pills, when other therapies—from new medications and treatments to adding complementary therapies—may bring better relief. Getting help for related issues, such as depression, weight gain, and eating problems, is also important.
Fast Facts:- Americans spend over $100 billion and make over 70 million doctor visits seeking pain relief, yet half of all chronic pain isn’t relieved.
- Keeping a pain journal can help you and your doctor assess whether treatments are working. Use a 0-to-10 pain scale to rate your pain daily.
- Don’t stop! In one survey, 30% of people with Crohn’s disease saw five or more doctors before getting an accurate diagnosis. Seeing a pain specialist can help.
- If you rely on pain killers, ask your doctor if adding medications aimed at your condition would help.
- “Alternative” or mind-body therapies can help, but usually can’t completely replace conventional care. Using both gets best results.
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