| Managing Arthritis Pain |
What is Pain?Pain is an "early warning system" within each of us that is the way our body has of telling us something is wrong. Chemicals are released by nerves as signals from an area of our body that has sustained an injury. At the same time, other nerves act like tiny communication devices that send signals to our brains. These signals are then interpreted into the pain that we feel. The amazing thing about this process is that the pain actually triggers a command in our brain to do something. Perhaps the simple example of this is that we, as children, may have touched a hot stove. Even though a toddler does not have the rationale to know what they are doing, they instinctively pull their hand away, thus preventing more pain. Our bodies guard themselves against further injury. That's how this amazing system works. Any pain we experience that is long-lasting is called chronic pain. The mechanism works somewhat differently here. In the case of arthritis pain, for example, our "early warning system" informs us that we are experiencing pain, but it also tells us that nothing we do immediately can bring on the much needed relief. This type of pain can be debilitating and can disrupt our life. It is very important for us to learn how to control this type of pain. Pain killers, used to treat acute (short-term) pain do not generally help in chronic (long-term) pain such as that sustained by arthritis sufferers. Later, we will discuss some methods that have proven helpful in dealing with the pain of arthritis. What Causes Arthritis Pain?Chronic pain is common with many different diseases and conditions. Arthritis is perhaps the most common of these. Arthritis is actually a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the joints. Back ache, headache, sore feet and muscle pain are also examples of chronic pain. Arthritis is Caused By: The process that causes redness and swelling of your joints is called inflammation. Wear and tear caused by the disease process causes damage to joint tissues. Overworked muscles often lead to muscle strain. This condition occurs when we attempt to protect our joints from painful movements. Part of the disease process is fatigue. This condition can make it harder to handle your pain and make it seem worse still. Pain VariesNot everyone's arthritis pain is the same. Perhaps a co-worker will experience a different kind of arthritis pain. As time passes you may even discover that your own pain varies. Much as we all would like it to be so, there are no magic formulas for relieving the pain of arthritis. Something that works for you may not work for your friends and neighbors. Trial and error is the only way to discover what form of pain relief is best for you. We all react differently to pain for a wide variety of reasons. Emotional and Social ReasonsWe are all affected by past experiences. Perhaps you have a fear about pain. This can affect how much pain you experience now. Believe it or not, we react to the way people around us respond to our pain. Even cultural and religious backgrounds can affect the level of pain we feel. Emotions affect almost every facet of our life. This is also true with the pain of arthritis. Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling depressed or stressed that your pain intensifies? Try to avoid the cycle of pain and depression that so many people fall victim to. This can make dealing with the pain easier and simpler. Physical CausesOur bodies react chemically to pain. Your very own nervous system can be more or less sensitive to the pain, thus it reacts differently to the chemicals sent to relieve the pain. This, combined with the severity of the arthritis, can determine whether your body will send or block pain signals. However, you can learn to manage your unique kind of pain. Will power plays a major part in this process. With skill and practice it is possible to take the pain in stride. Among the many ways of controlling pain, a focus on emotional and social factors can help. Perhaps focusing on the physical aspects of your pain works for you. Maybe a combination of methods is the best way to treat the pain of arthritis. Pain is CommonJust remember, you are not alone if you are living in pain. In a poll recently conducted by the Gallup Organization, it was discovered that nine out of ten Americans reported having pain at least once a month. For some fifteen percent of the group, the pain was severe. (This national survey was conducted among 2,002 adults aged 18 and older). Pain can be ManagedYou don't necessarily have to live with pain just because you are getting older. You don't have to "grin and bear it." Admitting we feel pain and taking action to prevent it are important steps in pain management. Remember, pain doesn't need to be a daily occurrence. You'll find that, by taking action to reduce your pain, even routine tasks that seemed impossible to accomplish, become easier. Anything from opening a jar to simply sitting down can and will be easier if you take control of your pain. Surprising FactsDid you know that, despite the fact that Americans suffer pain bad enough to interfere with daily life, work or relationships, very few actually talk to their doctors about it? Here are a few facts for you to consider: Less than half of all Americans (43%) who suffer severe or moderate pain report having control over their pain. Again, less than half (42%) of Americans who visit their doctor to seek pain relief actually understands how pain works. Pain SignalsWhat blocks pain signals?Scientists have come to the conclusion that methods used in pain control actually block the pain signals. A highly complex system of nerves in the brain and spinal cord are used to transmit pain signals. A variety of things can arise that block these signals. In so doing, this prevents the pain message from reaching the brain. Chemicals within our bodies, known as endorphins, are known to block pain signals to the brain. Endorphins are produced by the brain in a variety of ways. Thoughts and emotions (called natural controls) or medications (known as outside controls) act to block pain signals are the most common. Natural ControlsWe've all heard the stories of seemingly "super-human" efforts on behalf of parents to come to the rescue of their children in dangerous situations. The father who, although he has sustained a broken arm in a traffic accident, "puts aside" the pain long enough to assist his children traveling with him. This is an example of natural controls. His concern for his children blocked the pain signal, keeping the pain from assisting him, until he knew his children were safe. Outside ControlsThere are medications that can imitate the body's endorphins and block the pain signal. Morphine is a commonly used example of this. Heat and cold treatments are other examples of outside controls. Others include: exercise, physical therapy, relaxation and massage. These are ways to stimulate the body so that it will release endorphins on its own or to block the pain signals. Can Pain be Controlled?Controlling pain is something that you can and should do. Some helpful hints include: Take as few pain medicines as possible. Learn new ways to reduce pain. Return to as normal an active and social life as possible. Increase your physical activity. Change habits that have disrupted your normal lifestyle. These methods will work differently with each of us. Some of these methods may work for you and some may not. Some of them are things that you can do alone while others require the assistance of your physician or health care professional. It's always a good idea to discuss these methods with your physician. By trial and error you will find what works best for you. Taking ControlIt's important to understand what an important role our minds can control how we feel and respond to pain and illness. All too often people with arthritis feel depressed and helpless. Decreased activity, loss of self-esteem and increased pain are all too common among arthritis sufferers. That's why it's important that you develop a sense of control and adjust your thoughts and actions. You will find this is an important part of pain management. You may be thinking "easier said than done." If you will simply practice and exert some patience you will find that you too can achieve pain relief. Here are a few tips how. Research Your ConditionIt's important to learn what is causing your pain and how to control it. Learn About Treatment OptionsIf there are medications available, find out what they are. Be sure to follow the directions precisely when taking medication. Take the time to read the label. Another option can be alternative therapy. Exercise RegularlyYou will find that you can ease symptoms of chronic pain with exercise. Osteoarthritis is but one example of this. Talk to your doctor as ask him or her to recommend a good exercise program. Your physician may refer you to a specialist such as a physical or occupational therapist. Protect Your BodyPerhaps one of the most important things that you can do is listen to your body. When it tells you to rest, you should rest. Consult with your physician about ways to perform routine tasks in a way that reduces stress on the joints. Keep a Positive AttitudeIt's all too easy to let the pain of arthritis lead to a life built around pain and sickness. If you build your life around wellness rather than pain and sickness you'll find your attitude change. Keep positive thoughts, a sense of humor, exercise daily, eat a balanced diet, have a good time with others. These are but a few simple things we can do to maintain that all important positive attitude. Of course, you must also continue to take your medications as prescribed, continue on any treatment plan decided upon with your doctor and, above all, learn to relax! Don't let arthritis control your life. Yes, it can limit you, but it must never control you. Think of those things that you can do, rather than those that you can't. Practice a hobby or a fun activity regularly. By doing these things you'll find that you feel better and your pain will perhaps take a back seat to your pleasure. Don't Dwell on Your PainIf you constantly think about your pain it will seem over-powering. Pain is usually worse in those who dwell on it than those who don't. Try to focus on anything but the pain. If you enjoy a good movie, by all means go to one. Maybe you enjoy volunteering or visiting friends. You'll find that your spirits will receive a much needed boost and just maybe you will block some of those pesky pain signals. All of us have the ability to be distracted. Remember, the more time you spend focus on pleasurable things, the less time you will have for focusing on your pain. Rather than think of pain as a discomfort, think of it as a signal to get up and do something enjoyable. Don't be a hermit. Mix with other people. Enjoy their company. Change Your Pain HabitsDon't take the easy way out. Drinking alcohol or taking medications aren't necessarily the best way to treating pain. Ask yourself these four simple questions:
You can and will feel better by simply changing your pain habits... You'll find that by doing something to reward yourself, rather than feel sorry for yourself, you'll feel better. Talk to your physician, nurse or other health care professional about your habits. A specialist in pain management can help you find new and better ways of coping with arthritis pain. Create a Pain Management PlanChart your pain control methods. Sometimes a visual graphic can help us re-evaluate our methods. It's also a good way to keep track of your progress. Put it where you will see it daily. Alter your schedule and methods from time to time. Seek Support
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