Supporting Queenslanders With Arthritis | Arthritis QLD>About Arthritis>Arthritis Insights>Postive Health Habits>Pain And Chronic Pain Explained
July 2023
Pain is a common experience that serves as a protective mechanism, alerting us to potential injury or harm. However, when pain persists for an extended period, it becomes chronic pain—a complex condition that significantly affects quality of life.
In this article, we will discuss the concept of pain, chronic pain, its underlying mechanisms, and potential management strategies.
Pain is our body's alarm system. It's like a signal that tells us when something is not right. When we touch something hot, for example, we feel pain, and it makes us move our hand away to avoid getting burned.
Pain can feel different for everyone - it might be a sharp, stabbing feeling or a dull ache. Acute pain is typically short-lived and resolves as the underlying cause heals.
Chronic pain is different from acute pain. It persists for more than three to six months, outlasting the expected healing time. It can happen even after the initial cause of the pain has gone away. It's like having the alarm system in your body constantly ringing, even when there is no real danger.
Chronic pain can make everyday life difficult and affect our mood and ability to do things we enjoy.
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Chronic pain is a complex condition with diverse underlying reasons. Here are a few key factors involved:
Managing chronic pain requires a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual. Here are some strategies that may help:
Pain is a natural part of life, and sometimes it can become chronic, causing
ongoing discomfort.
Understanding the reasons behind chronic pain and finding ways to manage it can help improve daily life and overall well-being.
By working with healthcare professionals, taking medications as prescribed, seeking therapy, making lifestyle changes, and building a support network, individuals can better manage chronic pain and find ways to live a fulfilling life.
Remember, it's important to be patient, try different strategies, and not give up hope. With the right support and strategies, chronic pain
can be better managed, allowing for a better quality of life.
NPS Medicinewise have put together some great articles that explain everything from what pain and chronic pain is and what causes it, to treatment options and where to go for more information. To read the articles from NPS Medicinewise, click below
Pain: what is going on? https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/pain-what-is-going-on
Chronic Pain Explained https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/chronic-pain-explained
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