Chronic Pain Sufferers Have Hope
To the over 100 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, studies conducted in recent years point the pathway to hope that non-narcotic treatment can help reduce their crippling pain. For starters, while many people who suffer from chronic pain are certainly terrified of engaging in physical activity, numerous reports are indicating that exercise results in lower prevalence of chronic pain. Even people with dreaded low back pain would benefit from exercise and recreational sports, according to spine and rehabilitation specialist James Rainville. Exercise also acts as a strong deterrent to preventing the onset of chronic pain.
Chronic Pain Is Real, But Alternative Treatments Really Work
As I mentioned previously in my post about fibromyalgia, the stigma surrounding chronic pain needs to be removed as science is backing up the fact that chronic pain is a physical and medical reality, rather than a mental weakness or fabrication. There’s some good news for sufferers of chronic pain, however, in that newer studies are disproving the negative stereotypes on some non-narcotic alternatives to pain reduction and management. Perhaps most interesting is the shift that has developed regarding the medical research on acupuncture. Once regarded as a phony waste of your time and money, medical research is suggesting there is a quantifiable benefit to having acupuncture: from the release of important pain relievers to changing our neural pathways. For those people who are rightfully afraid of becoming addicted to narcotic drugs, this type of news is refreshing.
Don’t Give Up
People are encouraged to have meaningful discussions with their doctors about their pain. With over 40% of adult Americans suffering from chronic pain (pain lasting more than three to six months), it accounts for $635 Billion a year in medical costs. Your doctor should know about your wishes regarding narcotics. If your doctor recommends it and you are open to those treatments, proceed with due care and caution. Nevertheless, these recent studies are suggesting that your approach to treatment can be varied and multi-faceted. You can shoot for pain reduction through healthier living rather than just pain management through drugs.
