Living with pain: moving forward
Pain is inevitable; suffering is optional...
Pain is a protective mechanism which attracts our attention towards an ongoing damage. But at times, there is pain with no clear value. It is not a symptom anymore, it becomes a problem by itself.
With a combination of medical interventions & self management, long-term pain conditions can be managed so as to improve function and hence the quality of life.
Medical interventions include advice on medications, injections, physical and psychological therapy. In addition, adequate sleep, healthy eating, regular exercise and keeping stress at bay are important in pain management.
"For there was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently."
Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act V
Life is movement
Management of pain involves at least 2 aspects:
Symptom Management - to try and reduce the severity of pain
Improvement in Function - regaining physical fitness and coping with activities of daily living
Medicines and injections are to give pain free period which in turn should facilitate increase in the level of activity. Muscles and bones in the body are designed to move. If you don't use it, you may lose it!
