Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be a frustrating and misunderstood disorder. It is frustrating both for the individual and for the treating professionals. The sufferer may feel helpless to change the situation and hopeless that things will not improve. Most chronic pain sufferers were, at one time, healthy and able to function normally. Therefore, the onset of the pain creates many changes for the individual, both physically and emotionally. It can also cause relationship problems, as well.

The changes that are created often involve a loss to the individual in some way. The experience a loss of ability to function, a loss of self-esteem and / or identity, and a loss of the dream of how their life was supposed to play out. There may be a job loss, loss of financial security, and loss of close relationships. They may feel like a burden to others or feel guilty about the lack of ability to function as they once could. In some cases, the individual may lose some or all of their independence and need the constant care of others. This can be embarrassing and demeaning.

In order to develop a plan with your doctor for treating chronic pain, it is important to:

• provide a list of all medications currently taken (both prescription and nutritional)
• provide a specific history of the pain (when it occurs, what makes it better or worse, where it is felt in the body, etc.)
• provide specific data on how the pain feels (aching, sharp, pressured, stabbing, burning, stinging, etc.)
• provide a history of what has been tried in the past and how it worked (medication, exercise, relaxation, etc.)
• keep on-going records of how the treatment is helping the pain once a plan has been implemented.

It is impossible for us to "prove" our pain which makes getting the correct amount of medication a challenge.

Considering all of the changes that are brought about by chronic pain, it is not surprising that many sufferers become depressed, suicidal, and / or abuse alcohol or drugs. Most chronic pain sufferers can benefit from antidepressant medications and may need narcotics (pain-killers). Some individuals may use the pain-killers to numb the depression. This, however, creates and additional problem of addiction and will cause the depression to worsen.

There are pain clinics in most major cities that offer group therapy, training in relaxation techniques, and education on new methods of treatment.

Please contact us for more information or for an appointment by calling us at 281-357-4111 or e-mailing us at info@cccctomball.com.

Office Hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday appointments available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.