Pain Management Clinic
Doctors at American Pain and Wellness are dedicated to helping you with your pain in Allen, TX and Plano, TX. We specialize in back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, joint pain and much more! For more information, please call us.
Introduction
At some time in our lives, the vast majority of us will experience the agony of pain. If you are lucky, your pain will be short-lived. If not, you will have to do battle with the monster known as chronic pain. While some adapt, for others, the battle results in unnecessary suffering, sleeplessness, and hopelessness.
Many patients visit doctor after doctor asking to be “fixed,” but this reliance on the medical system can be self-defeating. While medical knowledge improves, miracle treatments are rare. One of the first steps in conquering pain is deciding to effect your own health.
The Scope and Nature of Pain
It is estimated that 30% of people in the United States suffer from chronic pain, costing the economy almost $100 billion a year.
Acute Pain: Temporary pain serving as a warning system (e.g., a burn or fracture). It usually disappears as healing occurs.
Chronic Pain: Pain that persists long after healing has occurred. It serves no protective purpose and is often triggered by nervous system malfunctions where biological “gates” are jammed open.
How Pain Works
Pain signals travel from nerve endings to the spinal cord and brain through biological “gates.” When these gates are open, pain is felt; when closed, pain is reduced. Factors that help close these gates include:
Physical Stimulation: Massage, heat/cold, or electrical stimulation (TENS).
Neurotransmitters: Substances like Serotonin close pain gates, while Substance P opens them.
Endorphins: Natural painkillers produced by the brain that are stronger than morphine. They are released during exercise, laughter, and positive thinking.
Conversely, stress—whether physical or psychological—lowers internal resistance to pain. This creates a vicious cycle: pain leads to tension, and tension leads to more pain.
Fighting Back: The 10-Step Program
Step 1: Accepting the Condition
You must accept that chronic pain is a separate problem from the injury that caused it. Acceptance does not mean giving up hope or accepting misery; it means stopping the worry over conditions you cannot change. A “spiritual surrender,” summarized by the Serenity Prayer, helps patients accept what they cannot change and find the courage to change what they can.
Step 2: Positive Thinking
Chronic pain can cause distorted, negative thinking. Negative “hot thoughts” (words like “must,” “never,” “always”) increase stress. Shifting to positive thinking and affirmations (“I can do this”) activates the healing system and closes pain gates.
Step 3: Become Physically Fit
Inactivity leads to “disuse syndrome”—muscle deterioration and weight gain. Exercise is vital because it:
Releases Endorphins: Natural opioids that do not cause tolerance.
Increases Serotonin: Which helps close pain gates and improves mood.
Recommendation: Find your true limitations, pace yourself, and avoid “all or nothing” thinking.
Step 4: Take Control Through Diet
Nutrition plays a major role in inflammation and pain perception.
Fight Inflammation: Eat “good fats” like EPA (fish oil, flaxseed) and GLA (borage oil, evening primrose oil). Avoid animal fats and common cooking oils (corn, safflower) which act like “pouring gasoline on a fire.”
Boost Serotonin: Eat foods rich in tryptophan (poultry, eggs, cheddar cheese) to lower Substance P and reduce pain perception.
Protect the Nervous System: Avoid high-fat diets that cause oxidation in brain cells. Supplement with Vitamins A, B-Complex, C, E, and Magnesium.
Stop Smoking: Smoking reduces nutrient flow to muscles and heightens pain perception.
Step 5: Practice Relaxation Techniques
Chronic pain causes reflex muscle spasms. Relaxation techniques break this cycle.
Controlled Breathing: Deep breathing triggers the release of tension.
Progressive Muscular Relaxation (PMR): A technique of deliberately tensing and then releasing muscle groups to learn the difference between tension and relaxation. Practice twice a day.
Step 6: Understand Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions
Pain is an interaction between the physical and the psychological.
Depression: Chronic pain can cause depression, which lowers pain tolerance. Treatment may require counseling, exercise, or medication.
Anger: Anger increases blood pressure and muscle tension. Management involves challenging irrational thoughts and taking responsibility for one’s own emotions.
Step 7: Establish Regular Goals
Set realistic short-term and long-term goals. For example, if returning to work requires standing for 4 hours, start with 15 minutes and gradually increase. Accomplishing goals improves self-esteem.
Step 8: Social Interactions and Behavior
Avoid broadcasting pain through behaviors like groaning or limping, as this can lead to being treated like an invalid. Encourage family members to support independence rather than doing everything for the patient. Be honest about limitations without using pain as an excuse to avoid disliked activities.
Step 9: Working with Your Doctor
Approach your doctor with respect and organization. Understanding medication is key:
Analgesics: Simple (aspirin) or Adjuvant (antidepressants/anticonvulsants).
Opioids: Stronger medications (Morphine, Oxycodone) that reduce brain awareness of pain.
The Opioid Debate: While there is a risk of tolerance and dependence, addiction (compulsive use despite harm) is rare in pain patients. Many doctors believe opioids can be used safely for non-malignant chronic pain to improve functionality.
Step 10: Putting It All Together
Taking control of pain is difficult and requires responsibility. By acknowledging the pain, using positive thinking, exercising, adjusting diet, practicing relaxation, and setting goals, patients can conquer the “chronic pain beast.”
