A Pain Awareness campaign was created by the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) more than 20 years ago! This action brought together various organizations from all over the country. These organizations all have missions similar to ACPA and are part of Partners for Understanding Pain. One of the main elements was the decision to designate the month of September as Pain Awareness Month. This is a time for people to share their stories or the stories of others being in pain to help others understand that they are not alone!
The goal of this campaign is to more easily identify and better understand constant pain. It is important to eliminate the stigma attached to chronic pain and highlight how and where to receive proper treatment and management. According to the CDC, in 2016, approximately 20 percent of U.S. adults had chronic pain (approximately 50 million), and 8 percent of U.S. adults had high-impact chronic pain (i.e. interfering with work or life most days or every day). If you are experiencing chronic pain, you are not alone!
Common Types of Pain that U.S Adults Experience
- Low Back Pain
- Cancer pain
- Arthritis Pain
- Headaches
- Neuralgias and neuropathies
Causes Of Pain
Understanding the underlying causes of pain can improve treatment and eliminate suffering. There are certain things everyone should know. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans experience regular pain. It should be considered a warning sign and an indication there is a problem that requires attention. Pain begins in receptor nerve cells under a person’s skin and the organs in their body. Those who live with pain find it debilitating and negatively impacts their quality of life.
Although results can vary based on the patient, some options that people explore to treat and manage pain are topical agents, acetaminophens, exercise and weight loss, and rest, heat, physical therapy and surgery.
Regular Pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than 6 months. It is different from acute pain that is a common occurrence in the nervous system. It lets people know they have experienced an injury. Other types of pain do not stop. This can happen because of an accident. It is also possible for it to occur in the absence of any injury. It is common for regular pain to occur with older adults.
Arthritis Pain
This is the tenderness and swelling of one or more of a person’s joints. The main symptoms experienced are joint pain and stiffness. This is something that will become worse with age. The most common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Diabetic Neuropathy
This is a form of nerve damage that can happen to people with diabetes. High blood sugar can cause damage to the nerves throughout a person’s body. Diabetic neuropathy often causes damage to a person’s feet and legs. The symptoms can be pain and numbness in their legs, feet, and more.
Nerve Pain
The nerves in the human body operate like telephone wires. They transmit messages between the spinal cord, brain, as well as other parts of the body. Nerves provide signals of pain, pressure, or temperature concerning the body and take it to the brain. Some people experience symptoms of nerve pain that are extreme or episodic. This is a sign of nerve damage. It has been estimated that over 40 million Americans are afflicted with this pain.
Learn more from our VP of Provider Affairs, Don Bulla as he sits down with FOX8 to discuss pain management.
If you or someone you know is dealing with some form of pain, it is important to have it addressed. Call today and schedule an appointment with Bethany Medical. Our medical providers are experts at helping with pain management. We can provide life-changing treatment. You can schedule an appointment here: https://appt.mybethanymedical.com/pain-management/.
