Aging is Natural: So Is Asking For Help

Did you know there are over 4,600 pain management specialist doctors in the US?

Chronic pain is a debilitating disease that affects millions of aging Americans. Advanced pain management can help with the constant ache and disruption to your daily life.

It's important to find pain doctors who understand when pain is natural compared to when it is not and what to do to treat it in either circumstance.

Are you suffering from debilitating pain and looking for a pain management solution?

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about pain doctors and the aging process.

Pain In Elderly Populations

Many individuals later in life struggle with frequent or chronic discomfort. Some long-term diseases, such as arthritis or diabetic nerve damage, may cause chronic pain.

It's important to know that when you're in pain, you're not alone.

Everybody will go through that at some point in their lives. But what happens if the discomfort persists?

Managing Pain as You Age

As adults, we are more inclined to accept chronic pain as a regular part of our lives. In fact, we're likely to go to great lengths to get the greatest support and the most effective therapy for our discomfort.

In fact, we're likely to go to great lengths to get the greatest support and the most effective therapy for our discomfort.

Regardless of one's age, one's views and values on pain should not waver as one ages. Even yet, pain in the elderly is a common occurrence, and it's often acknowledged as a part of aging and is even considered normal.

As a result, many elderly individuals suffer from chronic pain that goes undiagnosed and untreated. Older persons within the healthcare system are particularly vulnerable to long-term discomfort.

The prevalence of pain among the elderly is on the rise, and it is a problem that must be addressed immediately.

Because they believe that pain is a natural aspect of aging, older folks may not disclose it as often as they should. Because they don't want to annoy caregivers, they may not speak out. The discomfort they're experiencing may make them believe there's nothing that can be done to alleviate it.

Older folks may be concerned about pharmaceutical side effects or dependence. They may not be aware of the long-term effects of pain. Many activities, both physical and social, might be restricted by pain.

In addition, pain affects a person's ability to focus, eat, sleep, and feel happy. Mental disorientation and problematic behavior, such as violence, may result from uncontrolled pain.

As a result, people with communication difficulties are more likely to under-manage their discomfort.

What To Do About Persistent Pain as You Age

It is possible for many older persons to play an active part in managing their pain. Health care practitioners may benefit greatly from the input of family members when it comes to assessing and treating pain.

A wide range of pain treatment options should be considered for older persons. Usually, the best way to manage long-term pain is to use a mix of medication and non-pharmacological methods. A pain management doctor can lead this effort.

What Is A Pain Management Doctor?

Pain specialists focus on the treatment of pain as a result of illness, disorder, or trauma. Many of these clinicians are anesthesiologists or physiatrists. They do a fellowship in pain medicine including interventional pain.

A patient's primary care physician or another treating doctor, as well as experts in several medical fields like psychiatry or radiology and complementary alternative medicine, typically work together on pain management as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What Does a Pain Management Doctor Do?

For starters, they identify the exact origin of your discomfort and the underlying diseases that exacerbate it. Let's say you have a backache. The list of possible causes is long, but it includes anything from disk herniations to arthritis and everything in between.

The specialist will land on a diagnosis. Then he or she may use their specialized knowledge and the most up-to-date research to determine the ideal treatment for you. 

Patients with chronic pain may need a variety of non-surgical and interventional treatments. These can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery or medication, as well as complementary therapies. Among the options are massage, acupuncture, weight reduction, exercise and yoga. You may also try meditation, physical therapy, dietary alterations, and chiropractic treatment.

Many Options

Pain doctors sometimes use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and antidepressants. They may also suggest injections and other more conservative measures.

You may need more advanced procedures depending on the severity of your disease. Surgical intervention may be the final choice if no other options prove useful in relieving your discomfort.

All of your physicians and healthcare providers will be included in your pain management doctor's treatment plan. For any physical or emotional issues you may have, they will continue to provide continuous treatment. In this capacity, your pain management specialist serves as an advocate for your well-being.

Aging and Pain

At the end of the day, aging is a natural process that can have unfortunate consequences like chronic pain. Some of this is natural and can usually be treated effectively, whereas other times, it is a symptom of an underlying disease. Doctors can still treat the pain and manage your symptoms down to a level of comfort in the vast majority of circumstances.

If you are living with chronic pain in AZ, set up an appointment with one of our physicians today.