Functional Flex-care programs focus on helping patients to heal their bodies psychologically, medically, and socially. It is necessary to focus on these forms of healing when the body has an intense injury or pain. Each injury that leads to chronic pain always begins as physical. It taunts and agonizes you until you are at the end of your rope and can hardly bear it. Oftentimes, before hitting a breaking point you may start to turn on anything that will take away the pain, or at least make it tolerable. This is typically where a doctor’s visit comes in into play to evaluate the severity of the injury and prescribe a treatment plan. One of the more common and non-invasive treatment options includes medication, both prescription and over-the-counter remedies.
When an individual gets injured and can no longer tolerate the pain, they may see an interventional pain physician. Interventional pain management is devoted to the care and treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes. Interventional pain physicians use a variety of treatment techniques which can include medication management, minimally invasive injection therapy, ketamine infusions, and more. In an effort to maximize treatment outcomes, interventional pain physicians can collaborate with other specialists to integrate care. This provides an integrative platform for patients to manage and/or overcome pain conditions medically, mentally, and socially, which is the model of care at Recovia.
One common concern among anyone taking prescription medication for a long period of time is addiction. Medication can be a saving grace for many individuals seeking pain relief. Chronic pain sufferers are often prescribed opioids, which are strong medications intended to relieve pain. These medications are often prescribed by a physician to reduce the intensity of pain signals reaching the brain. Many chronic pain suffers thrive on this medication. When taken properly, it can enhance their everyday quality of life and physical well being. However, many properties found in prescription medication can be addictive in nature. As a patient continues to take high doses of prescription medication, the body naturally becomes used to the drug. Over time, the brain can actually change to the point that the drug is controlling behavior.
While prescribed medications are intended to moderate painful conditions, the physical dependency on these drugs may actually worsen pain over time. One of the most basic and overlooked side effects of substance abuse is that it disrupts sleep. When an individual suffering from chronic pain does not get enough sleep, their body can be tense and ache more the next day. Lack of sleep can also cause or worsen depression and anxiety, adding more stress to the body and mind. It is necessary for the body to heal itself and for the mind to be at peace. Another harmful aspect of medication dependency is that the body stops producing endorphins, which are natural pain killers, because the medication replaces this sensation. Once the medication dependency is stopped, the natural painkillers are no longer there or weakened, causing an increase in pain as a result.
While the body becomes physically dependent on the medication, so does the mind. The individual’s mind is now addicted to the idea of taking medication and the habit of doing that daily. If this is the case, the individual should then become more informed about the medication that they are taking and the proper amounts. It may become necessary for the patient to be monitored by a physician as they fall into the routine of medication management and out of their dependency.
Managing pain medication correctly and trying interventional pain management techniques can greatly affect the overall health and wellness of an individual suffering from chronic pain. Taking an improper amount of medication can actually make a condition worse. In order to ensure that this does not happen, it is necessary to know how to manage medication and look into alternatives. By understanding treatment options and participating in integrated care, the body may have a better chance at healing. Recovia has specialists in both medication management and interventional pain management, this program may be the silver lining that you have been searching for.
Recovia is a functional flex-care program that aims to maximize recovery for individuals suffering from chronic pain, injury, or dependency. The mission is to provide a compassionate, comprehensive, cost effective, and individualized functional rehabilitation program. For more information, please contact us at 480-712-4600 or visit our information page.
The advice and information provided herein is for educational purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
