Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is seen among both chiari and syringomyelia patients and is one of the more debilitating and hard to manage symptoms. Getting treatment and acknowledgement of chronic pain can be very hard to get. Often most people are dismissed or sent to a psychologist as the causes of pain associated with chiari and syringomyelia is not well understood. If you suffer from chronic pain getting seen by a specialist is the best way to treat the pain.
Pain specialist are medical doctors who specialise in the management of pain and often anesthesia. There are many way to treat chronic pain associated with chiari/syringomyelia. Chronic pain refers to how long the pain lasts rather then the intensity. 20% of Australian live with persistent (chronic) pain and more then half find this pain affects their day to day activities.
Causes
Chronic pain can be caused by a number of causes and is considered chronic if it lasts for more then three months, or longer then the normal healing time. Chronic pain can be worsened by our own central nervous system as our nervous system can adapt to pain and make it worse.
In Chiari and Syringomyelia pain is highly misunderstood by healthcare professionals. Chronic pain is often ignored or thought to be due to emotional and psychological problems. In syringomyelia specifically the mechanisms are easier understood, the syrinx put pressure on the nerves in the spine. These nerves are the ones which carry signals like pain. Even when the syrinx is gone pain can persist as the nerves have been damaged.
Symptoms
Chronic pain is a persistent level of pain for at least three months or longer then recovery allows for. This can range in severity over the course. Pain can affect quality of life and impact daily activities. The reduction in normal exercise and deterioration of physical and emotional abilities can increase levels of pain over time. Central Nervous System Sensitivity can occur worsen the pain is your central nervous system adapts.
Treatment
A multidisciplinary approach to treatment involves a number of different health care professional. There is often no one way to treat chronic pain, professionals including GP's, physiotherapists, pain specialists, social workers, counsellors, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, rehabilitation specialists and many more. While all of these people are highly knowledgeable about pain, pain is a subjective experience so arming yourself with knowledge and keeping track of treatments and how they affected you can be priceless in treatment.
Treatment can differ and may include one or a combination of psychical and emotional therapy, rehabilitation, medication and surgery. Other complimentary treatments such as hypnotherapy, natural healing, meditation and other such therapies have helped some people deal better with chronic pain.
Treatment aims at not only trying to eliminate the pain but may also focus on coping strategies and working on quality of life. Increasing coping abilities, general overall health and fitness can help overcome pain levels or leave it at a tolerable level that does not affect everyday life. Understanding how your pain affects your life and activities or situations that exacerbate it and self management is crucial in treatment.
Where to get Help
Chronic Pain Australia - 1800 218 921