Roughly one-fifth of the United States population lives with chronic pain. Many of them have such serious pain that it directly affects their ability to work and live life normally. The biggest issue is that chronic pain is pain lasting more than three months without diminishing.
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, it’s important that your physician helps you develop pain management strategies. Chronic pain management can make a big difference if you want something resembling a normal life.
Here’s what to expect in your care plan for chronic pain.
Assessment for Personalized Care Plans
The first step to creating effective pain relief plans is through a comprehensive assessment. Healthcare providers will evaluate the patient’s medical history, pain intensity, and how that pain affects their daily life. They’ll look at any other symptoms you may have as well.
Once your doctor understands the extent of your pain and its source, they can create a plan to treat it.
Medication Management
After the assessment is complete, your healthcare provider may prescribe various medications to help manage your pain. These medications can range from anti-inflammatory drugs to anticonvulsants. A personalized care plan will regularly review and adjust medications accordingly for the patient’s safety.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy can make a big difference in managing pain and improving a person’s mobility. A physical therapist works with the patient to create a personalized routine tailored to their pain levels and physical limitations. They then gradually increase their physical activity to help their condition improve.
Psychological Support and Counseling
Chronic pain is not easy to deal with, especially if it’s been an ongoing issue for years. Many people suffering from chronic pain can reach out to psychological support to help them develop coping strategies and manage their emotional response.
Healthcare provider tips often include seeing a therapist or even getting referred to a psychiatrist.
Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting healthier habits can make a difference when treating pain. Your care plan for chronic pain may include losing weight or going for walks. The physician could recommend better sleep or focusing more on nutrition.
The kind of lifestyle modifications you’ll need to make will depend on the initial assessment.
Patient Education and Self-Management
Effective chronic pain relief plans take the time to educate patients about their condition so they can manage their condition to some extent. They need to understand the nature of their pain, what triggers it, and how to manage the pain at home or when they’re alone.
The plan should also include ongoing evaluation and adjustments depending on how the patient responds to their treatment.
Understand Your Care Plan for Chronic Pain
The main goal of a care plan for chronic pain is to help a person manage their pain so they can live their life to the fullest. That means following their physician’s instructions and communicating any concerns with them. It can also take a bit of time and effort on their part to follow the plan.
River Family Health provides family health care in Boise, Idaho. We pride ourselves in the wide range of services we provide to our community. Reach out with any questions and schedule a visit to our office.
