How To Overcome The Invisible Battles Of Chronic Pain

invisible injuriesIf you slip and fall on the ice and break your ankle, it’s pretty obvious that you are working to overcome an injury when your friends and coworkers see you hobbling around on a cast or crutches the next day. We tend to have a lot more empathy for those dealing with obvious and visible injuries than for those who consistently fight “invisible” battles against conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia or migraines.

But why are we so less empathetic to those fighting invisible battles, and what can you do to win these battles if you’re constantly dealing with the fallout of an invisible condition? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.

Why Invisible Battles Can Be So Hard To Fight

A chronic pain condition can be hard enough to overcome without all the other problems it can beckon as a result of being an invisible battle. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why winning these invisible battle can be extra challenging:

1. Unpredictability – If you break your ankle, you know you’re going to be in a cast for a while before gradually putting more pressure on the foot as you work back towards a return to normal activities. It’s pretty easy to chart your expected treatment and recovery plan for that type of injury. The same cannot be said for a condition like chronic pain, which is oftentimes unpredictable and difficult to treat. There’s no standard playbook for treating chronic pain, and the condition can flare up at a moment’s notice, and this unpredictable nature can be another added stress.

2. Lack Of Empathy From Others – We touched on this in the intro, but many patients find that they don’t receive the same amount of empathy from others as a result of the invisible nature of their condition. It can be easy to empathize with an obvious physical injury, but it’s not always easy to empathize with someone who looks completely fine on the outside, even if they are dealing with a major issue on the inside.

3. Impact On Relationships – Invisible injuries can also put a strain on your interpersonal relationships. The unpredictable nature of your condition can lead to cancelled plans and isolation, stressing your relationships with others.

4. Takes A Toll On Your Mental Health – Studies have found that patients with a chronic pain condition are more likely to also deal with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. These mental health issues can have real-world implications for your physical health as well, especially if they make it hard to live an active and social life.

Winning Invisible Battles

It’s easy to see why these invisible battles can be extra burdensome, but how can we break through and start winning these battles? While every patient and condition is different, some of the more common treatments and lifestyle changes that can prove helpful include:

Of course, one of the best ways to overcome your individual chronic pain challenge is by connecting with an interventional pain management specialist who can take a closer look at your pain problem in person and develop a personalized treatment program. Your specialist can develop a treatment plan catered to your specific needs and adjust things as needed after you make progress or notice a setback. It won’t always be easy, but it can be one of the most effective ways to start winning more of these invisible battles.

For more information about chronic pain problems, or to connect with a pain management specialist in the greater Twin Cities area, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

chronic fatigue syndromeA new report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly 3.3 million Americans are battling what’s known as chronic fatigue syndrome. CDC Dr. Elizabeth Unger, co-author of the report, noted that chronic fatigue syndrome is clearly “not a rare illness.” But what is chronic fatigue syndrome, and can it be effectively treated? We take a closer look in today’s blog.

Understanding And Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome are similar in that they both describe a condition that has gone unresolved for months. Pain is considered chronic when it remains present despite attempts at treatment for more than three months. Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by at least six months of severe fatigue and exhaustion that is not improved by bed rest. Other symptoms that commonly accompany chronic fatigue syndrome include:

  • Brain fog
  • Pain
  • Discomfort after physical activity

Medical professionals don’t really know a specific cause of chronic fatigue syndrome, but many believe the problem is housed in the immune system. If something triggers a reaction of the body’s natural immune response, it can be physically draining. It’s not just the presence of a virus or bacteria that is making your tired, it’s also because your body is working hard behind the scenes to fight off this foreign invader. For many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, it’s believed that their immune system is hypersensitive or has been exposed to a prolonged overreaction.

Although there is currently no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, that doesn’t mean that treatment is futile. Treatments can help to manage and relieve symptoms, so you have options when it comes to fighting back against chronic fatigue. Oftentimes a combination of the following treatments are recommended for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome:

  • Medications
  • Anti-depressants (if appropriate)
  • Pace training to avoid overexertion
  • Low-impact exercise
  • Improving sleep quality
  • Mental and emotional health counseling
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

Like chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome is highly unique to the individual, so while the above treatment techniques are oftentimes recommended, it is in your best interest to connect with a specialist and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Finally, chronic pain can oftentimes be misclassified as chronic fatigue syndrome. Pain is physically, mentally and emotionally draining, and this can leave you feeling tired and unmotivated. However, there oftentimes is a cure for chronic pain conditions, so don’t give up on your quest to find relief. If you are wondering if your fatigue is tied to a chronic pain issue, consider reaching out to a pain management specialist in your area. Dr. Cohn specializes in helping patients find the true source of their issue and so that they can get access to the specific types of treatment they need to overcome their condition. If pain is truly at the heart of your fatigue, let us be a resource for you.

For more information about chronic fatigue syndrome, or for assistance overcoming a chronic pain problem, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.

1 in 4 Chronic Pain Patients Treating Their Condition With Medications Only

 medicationsNew data from the National Institutes of Health found that more than 1 in 4 patients with a chronic pain condition were pursuing pharmacologic treatments as their only form of care. As we’ve said on this blog time and time again, chronic pain is a complex issue that needs to be treated with a combination of active and passive treatments.

Pharmacologic treatments are considered a passive treatment and involve things like over-the-counter medications, prescription nonopioids and opioids. Non-pharmacologic treatments tend to be more active in nature, like exercise, physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Cohn and his team follow the current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which suggest that chronic pain treatment oftentimes works best with a mix of nonpharacologic and pharmacologic therapies.

However, a recent NIH survey found that a fair amount of chronic pain patients are pursuing passive care as their only treatment option for their chronic pain condition. A survey of 7,422 patients with chronic pain uncovered that 26.6 percent of adults said pharmacologic therapy was their only form of chronic pain treatment.

Chronic Pain Treatment Findings

Additional findings from the survey include:

  • 60.2 percent of adults were pursuing both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for their pain condition.
  • The most common pharmacologic treatments used were over-the-counter pain relievers (75.5%), prescription nonopioids (31.1%) and prescription opioids (13.5%).
  • The most common nonpharmacologic therapies used were exercise (55%), complementary therapies (36.7%), physical or occupation therapy (17.2%) and cognitive behavioral therapy (2.2%).
  • Older adults with more severe pain and those on public insurance were more likely to treat their pain with prescription opioids

The most concerning finding from the survey was that more than 1 in 4 patients are taking medications as their only form of chronic pain management. These medications treat the symptoms, and while they can calm inflammation or make movement more comfortable, they won’t serve to address the underlying issue that is causing inflammation or similar joint issues. You absolutely need to pair passive techniques like rest and medications with active techniques like exercise and physical therapy. These active treatments help you become stronger so that you can better handle stress, and they also work to stabilize structures that could be suffering from instability or mobility issues. Medications won’t solve your root problem, and while they can be a great compliment to a comprehensive treatment program, they are never a good stand alone option!

To connect with a provider who can develop a treatment plan suited to your specific needs, or to help create a treatment plan that incorporates the right balance of active and passive treatments, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.

Preventing Common Causes Of Fibromyalgia Flareups

fibromyalgiaAnyone who suffers from fibromyalgia knows just how disruptive a flareup can be. One minute you’re enjoying your day, the next you’re dealing with pain and fatigue. And while fibromyalgia can be a tricky condition to completely cure, you can significantly reduce the number of flareups you experience if you are aware of some of the most common fibromyalgia triggers.

Below, we take a look at some of the ways you can prevent fibromylagia flareups by addressing some of the most common triggers.

Common Fibromylagia Triggers And Prevention Tips

Here’s a look at some of the most common fibromylagia triggers, and some advice for keeping these triggers at bay.

Sleep Deprivation – Failing to get adequate healthy sleep can seriously increase your risk of a fibromyalgia flareup. Poor sleep has been clinically proven to increase our sensitivity to pain, make a person more susceptible to a flareup. Obviously the issue can be cyclical in nature, with poor sleep leading to fibro flareups, and flareups making it hard to attain restful sleep. Our best advice is to make your bedroom a dark and quiet environment free from light and technological distractions, and strive to go to bed and wake up around the same time in order to make it easier for your body to develop a healthy circadian rhythm.

Routine Irregularity – If your daily routine is regularly upended, it’s easier to become stressed, and stress is a major trigger for fibromyalgia. We’re not saying that you need to do the exact same things every single day to avoid stress triggers, but try to create a healthy sleep and meal schedule. Wake up, eat your meals and go to bed around the same time each day to help your body get in a healthy routine.

Poor Dietary Choices – Unhealthy food choices are oftentimes pro-inflammatory, and inflammation onset can trigger a fibromyalgia flareup. Try to get the bulk of your calories from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Limit the fatty and sugary foods, as they can lead to reactions inside your body that cause a fibromyalgia flareup.

Stress – Stress is likely the most common cause of a fibromyalgia flareup, and that makes sense because we all experience stress each and every day. We deal with work pressure, social stressors and family drama, and all of that stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension and a fibromyalgia flareup. Work to eliminate sources of stress from your life, and find healthy outlets to manage it when it manifests. Many people find that exercise, yoga, meditation or reading can help them find some inner balance and reduce feelings of stress.

Illness – People with fibromyalgia tend to have it worse when they get sick, because sickness triggers an inflammatory response within the body, and this inflammation can contribute to a fibromyalgia attack. There’s no way to completely avoid getting sick, but make it a point to develop some healthy habits. Eat a nutritious diet, wash your hands regularly and get your flu shot every year!

If you’re finding it difficult to mange your fibromyalgia flareups, don’t be afraid to lean on a professional for assistance. Dr. Cohn has helped countless patients reduce or eliminate their fibromyalgia flareups by giving them the individualized attention they need to cultivate a treatment program tailored to their individual needs. For more information, or to enlist his help, give his office a call today at (952) 738-4580.

Fighting Back Against Chronic Fatigue

fatiguedOne common side effect of fighting a near-constant battle with chronic pain is that fact that it oftentimes leaves you feeling tired and fatigued. Even if you don’t have a chronic pain condition, there are a number of other health issues like arthritis or long COVID that can leave you feeling tired and lethargic throughout the day. In today’s blog, we share some tips for fighting back against chronic fatigue so that you can have more energy to get through the day.

Tips For Countering Chronic Fatigue

We want to remind you that this is just general advice, and that you should seek out a specialist who can conduct a physical exam and chart review in order to set you up with an individualized treatment plan. Odds are some of their recommendations will be on this list, but know that the best advice comes from a professional who can evaluate you in person.

1. Exercise – We know that this is way easier said than done, and the last thing you may want to do if you’re feeling tired is exert more energy, but exercise can help you feel more energized throughout the day. Exercise gets our heart rate up and pushes healthy oxygenated blood through our bodies, ensuring key structures have easier access to essential nutrients. It doesn’t have to be a crazy intense workout, as even 15-20 minutes of brisk walking can give you the energy you need to finish the day strong.

2. Develop A Regular Sleep Pattern – Many patients that we talk to who say they are chronically fatigued say that they have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. When we dig deeper, we find that they typically have some unhealthy habits that may be making sleep hard to come by. Make your room as dark as possible and free of distractions and light sources like televisions or cell phones. Perhaps most importantly, get in the habit of going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, as this will make it easier for your body to develop a healthy circadian rhythm.

3. Mind Your Food And Liquid Intake – Sometimes our food choices can play a big role in how we feel throughout the day. If we’re eating a lot of processed foods and refined sugars, we can experience a short burst of energy followed by a crash. The same goes for stimulants like caffeine. Work to decrease your reliance on these substances, and you may feel more refreshed and even keeled throughout the day.

4. Destress – Stress can weigh heavy on your mind, and over time this can be physically exhausting. Try to find ways to destress your life or look for positive outlets to channel your emotions when you’re feeling stressed. Activities like yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress that can be contributing to your fatigue.

5. Limit Your Screen Time – Finally, have you ever found that you are tired after an extended scrolling session on your phone? Prolonged exposure to television screens and cell phones can leave your eyes feeling tired and fatigued, and it can even contribute to headaches. All of this can contribute to a general sense of fatigue, so work to cut down on your daily screen time.

Keep these tips in mind, and if you nee help overcoming a chronic condition like pain or fatigue, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.