Feelings of discomfort are not uncommon and sometimes they linger, cascading into a persistent pain ordeal. When this happens, it can be intimidating and immobilizing, straining every aspect of life. The question then arises, should one consider getting professional help for this relentless torment? Dr Sonny Rubin examines the necessity and benefits of professional help for persistent pain.
Understanding Persistent Pain
Under normal circumstances, pain serves as an alarm system, signifying that something might be wrong in the body. It typically subsides as the body heals. However, when pain continues to persist beyond the normal healing period, typically over 12 weeks, it transitions into what healthcare providers term “chronic” or “persistent” pain.
Recognizing the Need for Professional Help
Identifying the thin line between manageable discomfort and debilitating persistent pain is vital. Here are some signs indicating that professional help might be needed:
- Pain Severity and Continuity – If the pain is severe, disrupting daily activities and affecting quality of life, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance. Also, if the discomfort continues beyond a couple of weeks, even when mild, it might hint towards an underlying concern that requires professional evaluation.
- Ineffectiveness of Home Remedies – Home remedies and over-the-counter drugs can be effective in managing occasional discomforts. However, if these aren’t helping or the pain rebounds once they are stopped, it’s a sign to get professional help.
- Associated Symptoms – If the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like unexpected weight loss, fever, swelling, or numbness, it’s essential to seek a healthcare provider’s help. These symptoms could signal an underlying condition necessitating professional medical attention.
- Impact on Mental Health – Persistent pain can also impact mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbances. This connection between physical and mental well-being underlines the need for professional help, as they are equipped to address both of these aspects.
Enlisting the Help of Professionals: The Benefits
For Dr Sonny Rubin, seeking professional help for persistent pain comes with multiple benefits:
- Comprehensive Assessment – Healthcare professionals conduct a detailed assessment to identify underlying causes, differentiating between the numerous potential sources of persistent pain.
- Customized Treatment Plan – A proper diagnosis allows professionals to devise a personalized treatment plan that includes a combination of medical treatments, physical therapies, and psychological support.
- Multidisciplinary Approach – Persistent pain often requires a multidisciplinary intervention, meaning differing healthcare fields collaborate to manage pain effectively. Medical doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, and dietitians might all be involved in forming a comprehensive pain management strategy Dr Sonny Rubin.
- Emotional and Psychological Support – Living with persistent pain can be mentally taxing. Mental healthcare professionals play a crucial role, in providing necessary emotional support and therapeutic interventions.
Embracing Professional Help: A Step Towards Better Management of Pain
Living with persistent pain might feel like an unwinnable battle, but it doesn’t have to be. Seeking professional help increases the chances of effectively managing pain, often helping individuals reclaim their lives from the clasp of persistent discomfort.
For Dr Sonny Rubin, it’s a sign of strength to ask for help when it’s needed—a step towards better health and better pain management. Always remember, no one has to brave the storm of persistent pain alone; professional help is available and can guide you toward a more comfortable and manageable future.
