Focus Magazine of SWFL Fun & Fresh | Page 164

FAMILY FEATURES W hether it’s sharp or dull, off and on or constant, pain can be a real pain at times. With the ability to interrupt time with family, lessen productivity at work and create many sleepless nights, under­ standing the source of your pain is essential for relief. Important Questions to Consider When consulting your medical professional about pain, he or she will likely ask you a set of questions similar to those listed below. It is essential to prepare before you visit the doctor so you can help pin­ point the pain for the best diagnosis and treatment: n Where is the location of the pain? n When did it start? n What kind of pain is it? (Some descriptions include burning, dull, sharp, etc.) n Do certain activities alleviate or worsen the feeling? n What treatments have you used? Have you experienced any side effects? The ache and its sources As a source of discomfort, it may be hard to view pain in a positive light. But this natural, protective tool is used by the body as an alert of present or potential harm to tissues. While pain usually ceases once the stimulus has been removed and the damage to tissue has healed, there are many different factors involved for the amount of time the process takes. One thing is certain — whether it takes an hour or several months, relief is the main focus for those who suffer from any type of pain. According to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, approximately 100 million Americans deal with chronic pain, which is classified as discomfort lasting six months or longer. While this type of pain can range from minor to debilitating, it can disrupt the social and physical aspects of life in a major way. Those that suffer from this condition often experience headaches, back­ ches and a neck pain, though it can aggravate other areas within the body. Due to its lengthy nature, chronic pain can often lead to emotional issues, such as depression and stress, which can exacerbate the healing process. The best way to identify chronic pain is to be aware of its symptoms. This pain is persistent and can often be described as aching, burning or shooting. The area where the pain is located is often defined by patients as sore, tight or stiff. Because this type of pain can affect so many areas of life, many in the health community recommend a comprehensive mind and body approach for its management. This can include medication, injections, acupuncture and other holistic treatments. Here are some of the common types of chronic pain and a few ways to end the discomfort, so you can get back to enjoying life. Back and neck pain What causes nearly 40 percent of missed work days in the U.S. and is the fifth most common cause for doctor visits? Running from the top of the neck to the bottom of the spine, back pain is a common complaint among 1 64 FOCUS of SWFL 2014