Chronic pain is oftentimes assumed to be a condition that affects older populations, and while pain conditions are more likely to affect individuals over the age of 40, millions of young adults are also plagued by chronic pain. Because young adults are less likely to be affected by common drivers of chronic pain, like natural age-related degeneration and arthritis, and because of the inherent difficulty in treating pain disorders, it can be very hard for young adults with pain to get the help they need to overcome the condition.
We want to help you overcome these challenges and ensure you find the relief you seek and deserve.
Chronic Pain In Young Adults
As we talked about in the introduction, chronic pain can be caused by a number of different issues, and while arthritis and age-related degeneration are main factors, there are so many other components that can contribute to chronic pain conditions in young adults. Chronic pain can be the result of acute injury, nerve issues, and related health problems, and that doesn’t even factor in the mental components at play. As we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, stress, anxiety and depression can all lead to the onset of physical pain or worsen the symptoms associated with a chronic pain condition. A chronic pain condition is more likely to have physical and mental components in younger populations, and treatment needs to be based accordingly.
There’s no perfect playbook for treating a chronic pain condition, especially in young adults, but there are a few different approaches that may proven beneficial. Here are some of the ways we oftentimes work to help younger patients find relief from their chronic pain condition.
1. Pain Management Consult – For starters, it’s imperative that you truly understand what you’re dealing with, and the best way to get to the bottom of your pain condition is by connecting with a pain management specialist. They’ll be able to help you understand the root cause of your discomfort and develop an appropriate care plan. The first step in overcoming the problem is doing your best to fully understand what you’re up against.
2. Exercise/Activity – We’re not saying that you can always overcome chronic pain with exercise, but exercise can target some of the underlying causes of chronic pain. For example, if your pain is being caused by spinal instability or knee inflammation, exercise can help to target the supportive soft tissues in your spinal column or strengthen the knee joint so that it is less likely to inflame when stressed. Exercise and activity also helps to get your heart pumping, making it easier for oxygenated blood to reach areas in need.
3. Diet Improvements – You may also notice an improvement in symptoms by making some adjustments to your diet. We don’t want you to radically change your diet, as that can cause other issues for your body and your gut health, but slowly making some healthier choices can help you body get the nutrients it needs to support muscle function and development. Many junk foods and sodas are naturally pro-inflammatory, which can contribute to chronic pain symptoms. A poor diet can also lead to weight gain and more stress being applied to your joints, oftentimes intensifying chronic pain symptoms. We can help you find ways to tweak your diet so that your body has regular access to the nutrients it needs most.
4. Mindfulness – It’s also incredibly important that you work with your doctor to address the mental components of a pain issue. Chronic pain can leave you feeling isolated, which can be especially burdensome for younger adults. Find ways to reduce stress in your life and manage it when it arises. Exercise, deep breathing techniques and yoga can all help you improve your mindset and limit stress in your life, but find what works for you. Maybe you handle stress by reading a good book or doing some woodwork. Find a healthy outlet for stress and take care of your mental health amid your struggle with the physical discomfort of chronic pain.
5. Develop A Support Network – Know that you are not alone and that there are others out there who want to support you. Find a provider who empathizes with your situation and listens to your concerns, and keep connecting with people who are willing to support you. Friends and family can be great resources, but there are other places to turn as well. Online or in-person support groups will allow you to connect with people who better understand what you’re going through, which can really help you manage some of the unique aspects of chronic pain.
No matter your age, we want to help you overcome the pain issues you are facing. We welcome the unique challenge of treating younger adults with chronic pain, and we’ll work hard to find a solution for you. For more information, or to talk with a specialist about your chronic pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.