Often to help manage patients’ pain, healthcare professionals will prescribe powerful pain-relieving medications. In a normal situation, injuries will heal over time and medication will no longer be necessary. However, nagging pain from injuries such as those to the back or shoulders will last longer than expected. Because many of the medications that doctors prescribe for pain contain opioids, addiction to these medications is a serious risk. Long-term use of pain medication actually increases the body’s sensitivity to pain, causing pain to amplify. This is referred to as hyperalgesia.
Taking prescription pain medication long-term, or self-medicating in other ways, can lead to life-threatening consequences. It is important that individuals suffering from chronic pain get professional guidance on how to manage their pain. Psychotherapy and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation have proven to be effective countermeasures to chronic pain.
Chronic pain can be managed but if left untreated, they can lead to much more serious conditions requiring medical attention. If you or someone love is suffering from chronic pain, please talk to a professional to determine the best course of action to both manage your current ailments and prevent further complications.