I recently attended a conference that was all about pain. Did you know that pain is a significant problem for 116 million Americans?

Pain is one of those things that we all have experienced at some point in our lives. The kind of pain that occurs with a broken bone, a skinned knee or the pain that occurs while the doctor is doing a C-section and the anesthesia wears off (I have personal experience with this one) are what we call acute pain. This type of pain has a resolution and is generally short-lived.

Pain that is sometimes left after back surgery, fibromyalgia pain, and any pain that continues beyond several months is considered chronic pain. It often does not resolve completely but can be reduced in intensity.

There are certain types of pain that can improve with opioid medication such as hydrocodone but there are other types of pain that do not. Many doctors as well as patients assume that all pain should respond to pain medication, which is not always the case. That is why it is important to come up with alternative strategies to help.

There is one thing that is the key to treating chronic pain. That one thing is to find a doctor or provider who is your partner in care. Without that, you will be chasing your tail. There are providers out there who can help. You just have to find them. You need someone who will help evaluate the cause of the pain and help come up with a plan to reduce it.

Strategies to help may include medication but also treatments such as physical therapy, meditation, yoga, tai chi, acupuncture, massage, and laugh therapy to name a few. It is important to eat healthy and exercise even if it is just a small amount of low intensity exercise each day.

You may find that relief of your pain does not come in a pill but within yourself along with the help of your doctor who is your partner in health.