Chronic pain is a dire medical condition, but many patients do not even realize they are dealing with it. The worst part is that you may experience it without a medical diagnosis of an underlying disease. An old injury or psychological trauma may be the reason for your suffering, so addressing it becomes tricky. Another reason to worry is that chronic pain can be debilitating and affect the quality of life if you fail to manage it effectively and quickly. Knowing that you actually have a problem is the first step. Let us share a few red flags every patient must watch out for.
Consistent suffering
Your pain may be mild in the beginning, but it grows more severe over time if it is chronic. Likewise, it may begin with a sudden onset without any known reason. In fact, consistent suffering becomes a part of your life before you imagine it. It may disrupt your daily routine as tasks like moving, standing, and lifting objects become challenging. If the situation does not resolve with rest and only worsens with time, you must surely pay attention and seek help sooner than later.
Spread to other areas
Sharp pain spreading to other areas is also a reason to worry because it is an indication of a chronic condition. For example, you may experience a sensation in your lower back, which moves down to your hip and leg eventually. The progression may suggest a spinal problem, so you must seek diagnosis and remediation sooner than later. Popping a pill may be a quick fix, but it hardly prevents the problem from spreading to other parts of your body.
Lack of progress
Chronic pain requires ongoing management instead of a one-time fix. You may try a therapy that shows effective results in the beginning, but progress could plateau over time. It is a surefire red flag that you must try something else. Chiropractic care is an effective pain relief alternative that relies on spinal manipulation instead of medicines. It can also revitalize your progress and ensure better results over time.
Over-the-counter medications do not help
You may have chronic pain if over-the-counter medications do not offer lasting relief. While OTC painkillers may offer temporary relief, they seldom provide a lasting solution. Moreover, they may have severe side effects if you use them for the long term. Even worse, you may become habitual with them, so letting go becomes challenging down the line. Pay attention to this red flag, and look for a holistic option that works.
Sleep deprivation
Another red flag you must watch out for is sleep deprivation because chronic pain can disrupt your sleep patterns. You may wake up in the middle of the night due and not be able to sleep again. Lack of sleep can affect your physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and work productivity. You should definitely not overlook this warning sign and get help sooner than later.
Living with chronic pain is the worst thing you can imagine, but failing to manage it can compound your challenge. Look for these red flags and seek help from a specialist to regain control.
