Chronic Pain: Busting Eight Myths with Facts

Trying to manage your chronic pain with a variety of medications, and it’s not working out? The side effects alone are enough to make you want to try something new, different, and longer term. But what else is there for someone living with chronic pain, especially when you look fine and no one can see your pain?

Unfortunately, it’s assumed that it’s all in your head. Whether you have arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any other chronic pain illness, you know the pain is real, and you need a trained pain specialist who believes you and who cares. That’s why Healthfully Fabulous has put together this list of debunked chronic pain myths - by pain management specialists.

Chronic Pain - Myths vs Facts

1. Myth: If You Can’t See the Pain, It Must Be in Your Head.

Fact - Exactly, it’s called medication. Just because someone doesn’t look sickly does not mean that their pain is not real. Who ever said that you have to see pain to believe it exists? Pain is an incredibly complicated and complex feeling that’s different for everyone.

2. Myth: All Doctors are Qualified to Treat Pain.

Fact – Slow down there, buddy. When dealing with pain management, not all doctors are not the same. Pain specialists put in many years of specialized training to be able to analyze, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from chronic pain ailments.

3. Myth: Getting Pain Treatments Makes You A Weak Person

Fact – Says the person with no medical degree who’s not living with your pain. Owning your pain and seeking relief has nothing to do with weakness. It’s quite responsible and shows that you are taking your health seriously. At the end of the day, seeking treatment is the only way to find out what the underlying cause of your pain is.

4. Myth: Pain Medication Causes Addiction

Fact – Although you may reference Michael Jackson, Prince, or many Lifetime movies, it is a fact that some pain medication is addictive. However, not every medicine or every person is prone to addiction. Additionally, if you have a history of addiction, you want to reveal that information to your healthcare provider so that they are aware of your concerns and will be able to effectively treat your pain.

5. Myth?: Certain Weather Conditions Trigger Chronic Pain

Fact – Although everyone’s pain trigger may not be associated with weather conditions, there are many, many people who swear by weather and pain going hand in hand. Especially if you're asking arthritis sufferers. Even doctors aren’t sure why this happens. However, barometric pressure seems to be a trigger for some. While cold weather triggers pain, warm weather tends to reduce pain.

Fact – Although everyone’s pain trigger may not be associated with weather conditions, there are many, many people who swear by weather and pain going hand in hand. Especially if you're asking arthritis sufferers. Even doctors aren’t sure why this happens. However, barometric pressure seems to be a trigger for some. While cold weather triggers pain, warm weather tends to reduce pain.

6. Myth: Every Type of Pain Has a Silver Bullet

Fact – For the most part, there is no “one and done” prescription for chronic pain. Generally, chronic pain sufferers need a pain management treatment plan tailored specifically to their pain needs. This could include a combination of:

• Ice

• Medication

• Immobilization

• Physical therapy

7. Myth: Resting is Your Best Option for Pain

Fact – Depending on your pain level and the cause of pain, your doctor may prescribe rest for a short period. However, you must keep in mind the old saying “A body at rest stays at rest”, and there is truth in that statement. So when possible get up and move around, go for a short walk, purchase an elliptical, or whatever movement you can do comfortably.

For example, arthritis causes stiffness and swelling, and low-impact exercising can provide some pain relief benefits, and it’s normally a part of physical therapy and pain management.

8. Myth: Don't Worry About Minor Pains

Fact – Don’t listen to those people. Any pain you experience needs to be brought to your doctor’s attention. Maybe it’s nothing, but, what if it’s something? Although OTC pain medications may work for your discomfort, it should not be a reason to prolong a diagnosis for the pain, especially if you can’t recall injuring or overexerting yourself. Also, self-diagnosing and treatment can oftentimes cause you more damage than you would think.

Next Steps

Speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns that you have to be sure that you’re receiving accurate information about your personal health condition. In the meantime, don’t forget to take a look at our blog over here.