Treating Chronic Pain Conditions In Young Adults

younger adultsChronic 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.

Tips For Starting An Exercise Program When Everything Hurts

exercise painExercising and chronic pain can be like oil and water. It can be hard to start exercising if you have chronic pain, but there’s a good chance that your chronic pain condition will improve by pursuing an exercise program. But how can you overcome a chronic pain condition and begin a beneficial exercise regimen? In today’s blog, we share some tips for starting an exercise program when your body hurts as a result of a chronic pain condition.

Starting An Exercise Program In Spite Of Chronic Pain

Starting and sticking to an exercise routine that will see you become a healthier version of yourself is never easy, and that’s especially true if you have a chronic pain condition. That said, there are some ways to make it a little easier to exercise despite your chronic pain condition. Here’s how:

Get Creative – When people think of traditional exercise, they oftentimes think of a running program. Running is a great way to build your muscles and challenge your body, but it certainly isn’t the only way to exercise. Get creative when it comes to exercise and pursue an activity that you find enjoyable (or at least bearable). Consider doing some yoga, riding your bike around the city or swimming laps at the local pool.

Develop A Routine – We know that developing a standard routine isn’t always easy when you have to adapt to the challenges of chronic pain, but begin to carve out some regular time for exercise. Perhaps that means waking up a half hour earlier on Mondays and Thursdays, or stopping at the gym on your way home from work a couple days a week. Your body and your brain will slowly start to get used to this routine, which will make it easier to regularly pursue exercise.

Pay Attention To Your Recovery Period – Even if you don’t have a chronic pain condition, odds are you’ll have some soreness and discomfort after exercising. It’s important that you help your body recover after exercise so that this discomfort doesn’t linger. Eat a healthy diet, get up and move, do some light stretching and stay hydrated to make it easier for your body to recover from the rigors of exercise.

Set Attainable Exercise Goals – We’re more likely to keep coming back for more exercise if we set realistic and attainable goals. Don’t plan to exercise 4-5 times a week if you are starting a new program. Slowly begin a new exercise program and gradually push yourself to take on bigger challenges. If you bite off more than you can chew or your goals are too lofty, you can end up sabotaging your own exercise routine. Set challenging but realistic goals.

Work With A Pain Management Specialist – Finally, know that you don’t have to develop and pursue an exercise program while dealing with chronic pain on your own. Dr. Cohn and his team can help you develop an exercise routine tailored to your strengths and current limitations so that it’s easier for you to reach your goals. Chronic pain can be isolating, but you have resources that you can lean on when your pain condition makes daily activities like exercise difficult. Let us help you make is easier to pursue regular exercise in spite of your pain condition.

Exercise has countless benefits for your body, and oftentimes it can really help to lessen symptoms of a chronic pain condition. It won’t be easy to start an exercise program when everything hurts, but we know it will be worth it. For more information, or for help with a different chronic pain issue, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office 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.

Tips For Overcoming High Impact Chronic Pain

chronic pain More than 50 million Americans battle a chronic pain condition on a regular basis, but for a portion of these individuals, their pain is even more debilitating. According to research published in the Journal of Pain, roughly 11 million U.S. adults are dealing with what’s known as “High Impact Chronic Pain.” High Impact Chronic Pain, also referred to as HICP, is similar in nature to standard chronic pain in that it is categorized as pain that has lasted three months or longer. However, in patients with HICP, their pain is so significant that is also causes at least one major active restriction, like:

  • Being unable to work
  • Being unable to go to school
  • Being able to perform household chores

Because of the significant physical burden caused by HIPC, it’s also not uncommon for individuals to also be plagued by mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It can be a vicious cycle, with pain limiting physical and mental stimulation, which only makes it harder for a person to overcome their chronic pain issue. We don’t pretend like we have all the answers, but we do want to use today’s blog to give some advice on how you can work to overcome your high impact chronic pain condition.

Overcoming High Impact Chronic Pain

There is no step-by-step guide for overcoming high impact chronic pain, especially because pain conditions are so unique to the individual. With that said, there are a few things you can do that you may find helpful in providing mild, moderate or major relief for your pain condition. We recommend a combination of the following:

Professional Assistance – You shouldn’t try to manage your high impact pain condition by yourself. It’s already burdensome enough without also trying to figure out the best way to treat your unique pain condition. Instead, lean on a pain specialist with decades of experience treating all sorts of pain problems. Let us work alongside you to find solutions and make it easier for you to gradually work to overcome your pain issue so that you can get back to doing all the activities you love.

Be Active – We know that this is easier said than done, but activity is really important for your body if you’re dealing with a pain condition. Obviously you’ll want to tailor the activity to your current strengths and limitations, but physical activity will do wonders for your physical and mental health. Being active strengthens key areas inside your body, and it can be mentally rewarding to know that you are doing your part to help control your pain condition, which is key for your mental health.

Physical Therapy – If you want to pursue some physical activities and exercise under the guidance of a professional, consider syncing up with a physical therapist. Your physical therapist will develop a PT routine suited to your diagnosis and your goals, and they’ll gradually have you take on greater challenges as you work towards becoming the most functionally capable version of yourself. Many people like working with a PT because it allows them to get real-time feedback from a professional who will adjust their workout to their ever-changing needs.

Improve Your Diet And Sleep – You can’t eat and sleep your way back to full health, but your diet and your sleep quality can certainly prove beneficial or detrimental in your quest to overcome your pain condition. A poor diet can be pro-inflammatory, while a lack of quality sleep has been shown to increase pain sensitivity, which is not something you want if you’re dealing with high impact chronic pain. Conversely, a healthy diet ensures that your body gets the nutrients it needs for numerous essential functions, and quality sleep makes it easier for you to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to attack the day with activity.

Overcoming a chronic pain condition is never easy, and that’s especially true for patients with high impact chronic pain. With that said, if you strive to make a few small changes and you connect with a provider like Dr. Cohn, we’re confident that we can help you get your HIPC under control. For more information, or for help with a different pain issue, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today at (952) 738-4580.

When Your Pain Concerns Are Being Ignored By Your Doctor

doctor listeningAs we’ve talked about on the blog numerous times in the past, chronic pain can be an extremely frustrating condition, and that frustration only ratchets up another level when you feel like your needs are not being met by your pain care provider. The one person who should have your back during your battle with chronic pain is your doctor, so what should you do if you feel like you’re not being heard or your needs aren’t being met? We share some tips on what you should do in this situation.

When You’re Not Being Heard By Your Pain Specialist

If you feel like your concerns simply aren’t being met by your pain care provider, take a deep breath and follow some of this advice.

1. Let Your Doctor Know – First and foremost, you’ll want to have a conversation with your doctor. There’s a very good chance that you and your doctor have different expectations or goals for your pain care, and oftentimes you can get on the same page with a simple conversation. When communicating with your doctor, be specific. Give examples of situations where you felt like you weren’t being heard or your needs weren’t met. We want this communication to be conversational, meaning that you want to talk and you also want to listen to what the other side has to say. You’d be amazed at how often care problems can be resolved with a constructive conversation.

2. Self-Evaluate – It’s also important that you take time to reflect on yourself and your situation to make sure that your frustrations are valid and directed in the right place. As we mentioned above, chronic pain can be extremely frustrating, and it’s not uncommon for patients to take that frustration out on their provider, despite the fact that their doctor is doing everything in their power to help them manage their condition. We’re not saying that your concerns aren’t valid, but self-evaluation is important in all walks of life, and it would be a shame for misplaced frustration to cause a rift between you and your care provider.

3. Ask For An Explanation – One thing many providers are guilty of is not deeply explaining the “why” behind their treatment recommendations. Whether it’s because they assume the patient has a better understanding of their condition and treatment than they do, or they simply focus on the end result and not the method itself, it’s easy for doctors to overlook important aspects of your care. Perhaps you feel like your concerns aren’t being met because you don’t understand why they are recommending the treatment they are, so please ask for clarification. We’d be more than happy to explain exactly why we believe our recommended treatment course is right for your specific situation.

4. Don’t Dwell On One Specific Instance – If you’re working to overcome a chronic pain condition, odds are you’ve visited your provider on a number of occasions. Many of those visits probably went fine, but it can be easy to really focus on one negative experience. Try not to let one bad interaction sour your experience with your doctor. We all have bad days and are juggling personal and professionally responsibilities, and we’d all like a do-over from time to time. Try to grant your provider some grace, but if the behavior becomes a pattern, move on to the last tip.

5. Find A New Provider – Finally, if you’ve tried all of the above and still feel like your doctor isn’t the right provider for you, it’s time to look elsewhere for care. We know that switching providers can be a headache, but it will be worth it to connect with a professional who truly puts your needs first. We’d love to be that provider for you, so if you want to connect with a doctor who will make sure your concerns are always heard, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.