Why You Shouldn’t Self-Diagnose Chronic Pain Conditions

Chronic pain can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, leaving them unable to engage in their usual activities and forced to live with constant discomfort. When pain impacts a person’s ability to function, they may self-diagnose their condition and self-medicate to find relief.

Self-diagnosis and self-medication of chronic pain conditions are never helpful. Instead, seeking specialist support is crucial to get the best outcome. In this blog, we will discuss some of the major pitfalls of self-diagnosing and how pain specialists help people regain their quality of life.

What is a Chronic Pain Condition?

The CDC estimates that 20.4% of U.S. adults (50 million) experience chronic pain. This highlights that chronic pain is a condition significantly impacting a large proportion of adults.

Unlike acute pain, which occurs due to an injury and then subsides as the injury heals, chronic pain is persistent and extends beyond the expected healing period. Chronic pain is typically described as pain that persists for longer than three months.

Chronic pain can be caused by many conditions, which is why some people attempt to self-diagnose and self-medicate to alleviate it. Common chronic pain conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Joint pain from injuries
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches

While there may be many different causes of chronic pain, selecting a pain management specialist to help alleviate the discomfort is essential to get the most relief.

Common Misconceptions About Pain Management

When it comes to pain management, many misconceptions could be causing you more harm than good. Here are some common misconceptions about pain management, and why you should avoid them.

Painkillers Will Cure Chronic Pain

Many believe pain management is as simple as popping a few pills and keeping their medication topped up. However, regularly taking pills without an official diagnosis of your condition can cause more issues for your body in the long run. Some health issues after taking painkillers daily include kidney issues, liver damage, and even stroke.

And, painkillers aren’t the only option to cure pain. There are a variety of pain relief treatments like acupuncture, massage therapy, and other technologies to treat chronic pain. Avoid any long-term health issues associated with painkillers, and see a pain management specialist for other treatment options.

Ignoring Chronic Pain Will Make It Go Away

Having chronic pain symptoms does not mean you must live with chronic pain throughout your life. A consultation with a pain management specialist will help you see all the pain-relief options available.

Ignoring chronic pain rather than seeking treatment is more likely to lead to it worsening than improving. Many different treatment options are available for chronic pain. These are some examples of pain management treatments offered here at Southside Pain Specialists that can provide lasting relief:

• Facet joint injections
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Radiofrequency lesioning
• Spinal Cord Stimulation

The Benefits of Specialist Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain can be debilitating and rob you of the opportunity to live your life to its fullest. But, seeking help from Southside Pain Specialists can help you to enjoy the freedom of life. Reach out for treatment before your pain worsens any further, and let our team help you get the relief you deserve.

Find Relief with Southside Pain Specialists

With highly specialized training and a multitude of pain relief options, Southside Pain Specialists follow the standards of the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, The American Board of Pain Medicine, and the International Spinal Injection Society. We work hard to provide patients with comprehensive, caring pain relief when they need it most. Contact us online or contact us today at 205-900-3927 to learn more.