Chronic pain affects an estimated 50-60 million American adults. This is pain that persists longer than three months or well past normal healing times. For roughly a third of these individuals, the pain is severe enough to limit work, sleep or everyday activities. Because pain can impact you well beyond the original injury site, managing it requires specialized attention.
Since 2001, the American Chronic Pain Association has marked September as Pain Awareness Month — a chance to shine a light on just how common chronic pain is, chip away at the stigma that surrounds long-term pain, highlight the treatment options available and remind those living with it that support exists.
When to See a Doctor
It’s easy to write off everyday aches and pains as a normal part of aging or the lingering effects of an old injury. But persistent pain is often a sign that something needs attention, not something to simply live with. Consider seeing a physician if:
- Pain is disrupting your life — interfering with sleep, work, exercise or the activities you enjoy.
- Over-the-counter medication no longer helps or you find yourself relying on it regularly.
- The pain is moving or spreading to new areas of your body.
- You’re noticing mental effects alongside the physical pain, such as anxiety or depression.
Seek care immediately if your pain is accompanied by:
- Sudden weakness or numbness in your legs, groin or genital area.
- Changes in bowel or bladder control, including difficulty urinating or sudden incontinence.
- Unexplained fever, chills or sudden weight loss.
- Severe pain immediately following a fall, injury or accident.
How a Physician Can Help
Seeing a trained physician can be the first step toward lasting relief. A doctor will evaluate your symptoms, pain location and medical history, and may order testing or imaging to get a clearer picture of what’s happening internally.
Beyond prescribing the right medications to block pain signaling, specialists can perform precise, target-specific interventional procedures, including:
- Injections: Epidural steroid injections, joint injections or trigger point therapies deliver medication directly to the source of pain.
- Nerve Ablations: Use radiofrequency to safely stop overactive nerve fibers from transmitting chronic pain messages to the brain.
- Neuromodulation: Implanted devices like spinal cord stimulators use mild electrical currents to disrupt pain patterns.
Managing Pain Beyond Medicine
Comprehensive pain management often includes physical therapy.
At Southwoods Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Services, our team starts with a comprehensive evaluation, then creates individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific goals and needs.
Chronic pain can also take a heavy toll on your emotional wellbeing. If you experience anxiety or depression, your Primary Care provider can help connect you with the right support.
Pain Management at Southwoods Health
At Southwoods, we understand how heavily chronic pain can impact your life. Our expert team of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Pain Management and Spine specialists collaborate to build custom treatment plans and help you find relief. And with offices in Boardman, Howland and Calcutta, that relief is closer than you think!