Chronic pain is a complex biopsychosocial problem. A single pathophsyiological explanation is not available for many chronic non-malignant pain states. Up to one-third of chronic pain patients will have no objective findings of organic disease, and conventional treatment solely aimed at relieving pain is unlikely to be appropriate for such patients.
What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain can have a number of different symptoms, including:
• Persistent pain for more than three months.
• Pain that interferes with daily activities.
• Fatigue.
• Depression.
• Difficulty sleeping.
How Do I Know That I Need Treatment?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, you may benefit from Osteothapy. Call us or book an appointment to find out how we may help you feel good again.
What does chronic pain feel like?
People with chronic pain describe their pain in many different ways, such as:
- Aching
- Burning
- Shooting
- Squeezing
- Stiffness
- Stinging
- Throbbing
Chronic pain often leads to other symptoms and conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
Osteopathic Treatment can be a Gamechanger!
Dr. Tim has seen his fair share of patients who come in after years—and sometimes decades—of pain and finally start feeling better from Osteopathy augmented with dry needling, cupping, targeted exercise, appropriate braces/supports, ergonimic adjustments where necessary and lifestyle modifications.
The well-founded holistic principles of Osteopathy guide physicians to manually apply a specific amount of pressure to different regions in the body. These techniques can help:
- Treat structural and tissue abnormalities.
- Relieve joint restriction and misalignment.
- Restore muscle and tissue balance.
- Promote the overall movement of blood flow throughout the body.
“Osteopathy may help patients lower their medication requirements, delay the need for invasive medical procedures and hopefully keep them away from surgery altogether,” Dr. Tim says.
“Procedures and surgery are great when it’s the right thing for the patient, that said Osteopathic treatment can be a simpler and safer pain management option.”
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain refers to pain which lasts for over three months, even when any initial injury or illness has passed. There are lots of conditions which cause chronic pain. Each condition comes with its own set of symptoms and ways it can affect the diagnosed individual.
The pain can be there all the time, or it may come and go. It can happen anywhere in your body.
Chronic pain can interfere with your daily activities, such as working, having a social life and taking care of yourself or others. It can lead to depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping, which can make your pain worse. This response creates a cycle that’s difficult to break.
What’s the difference between chronic pain and other pain?
Chronic pain differs from another type of pain called acute pain. Acute pain happens when you get hurt, such as experiencing a simple cut to your skin or a broken bone. It doesn’t last long, and it goes away after your body heals from whatever caused the pain. In contrast, chronic pain continues long after you recover from an injury or illness. Sometimes it even happens for no obvious reason.
Where do people have chronic pain?
Chronic pain can come in many different forms and appear across your body.
Common types of chronic pain include:
- Arthritis, or joint pain.
- Back pain.
- Neck pain.
- Cancer pain.
- Headaches, including migraines.
- Testicular pain.
- Lasting pain in scar tissue.
- Muscle pain all over (such as with fibromyalgia).
- Neurogenic pain, from damage to the nerves or other parts of the nervous system.
How common is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is a very common condition, and one of the most common reasons why someone seeks medical care. Approximately 25% of adults in Australia experience chronic pain.
What causes chronic pain?
Sometimes chronic pain has an obvious cause. You may have a long-lasting illness such as arthritis or cancer that can cause ongoing pain.
Injuries and diseases can also cause changes to your body that leave you more sensitive to pain. These changes can stay in place even after you’ve healed from the original injury or disease. Something like a sprain, a broken bone or a brief infection can leave you with chronic pain.
Some people also have chronic pain that’s not tied to an injury or physical illness. Healthcare providers call this response psychogenic pain or psychosomatic pain. It’s caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety and depression. Many scientists believe this connection comes from low levels of endorphins in the blood. Endorphins are natural chemicals that trigger positive feelings.
It’s possible to have several causes of pain overlap. You could have two different diseases, for example. Or you could have something like migraines and psychogenic pain together.
Managing Chronic Pain With Osteopathic Medicine
Osteopathy is a form of manual medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and its function. Osteopathic physicians use hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Osteopathic medicine understands that the body is a combination of body, mind, and spirit.
Often, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is used to help treat chronic pain and relieve tension within the body. OMT involves using the hands to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. Techniques include stretching, gentle pressure, and resistance to improve mobility and relieve pain.
Another form of treatment is myofascial release. This technique targets the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. By applying gentle, sustained pressure, osteopathic physicians can release restrictions in the fascia, reducing pain and improving movement.
Osteopathic techniques are non-invasive and can be a safe alternative to medication or surgery for managing chronic pain. Your osteopath will tailor treatments to your specific needs, considering your unique body mechanics and health history. Osteopathy addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms, promoting overall health and well-being.
Osteopathic techniques can be used alongside other treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture or dry needling, and medication to enhance pain relief and improve function. Along with osteopathic techniques, your doctor can guide you through lifestyle changes you can make to improve your overall health and manage your chronic pain.
Tips for Managing Chronic Pain with Osteopathy
Address the root cause
Osteopathic medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of chronic pain, rather than just treating the symptoms. Osteopaths perform thorough physical examinations and consider the patient’s medical history to develop a personalised treatment plan. This approach allows for more effective and lasting pain relief.
Incorporating lifestyle modifications
Osteopaths also emphasise the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing chronic pain. They provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, posture, and stress management to help patients achieve long-term pain management and overall wellbeing.
If you’re living with chronic pain or considering osteopathic treatment, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind:
Seek professional help
Consult an osteopath who specialises in pain management. They can conduct a thorough evaluation and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Be patient
Chronic pain management often takes time, and it may require multiple sessions of OMT and other therapies. Stay committed to your treatment plan and follow your physician’s recommendations.
Embrace lifestyle changes
Incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine. This may include regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress reduction techniques, and maintaining good posture.
Communicate
Open communication with your healthcare provider is essential. Share any changes in your condition or any concerns you may have during your treatment journey.
Conclusion
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to managing chronic pain conditions like back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. By addressing the root causes of pain, providing hands-on OMT, and promoting lifestyle modifications, osteopathic treatment can help you find relief and improve your overall quality of life.
If you or someone you know is living with chronic pain, get in touch with us to explore the potential benefits of this approach to pain management.
“Relief is possible, and a pain-free life is within reach.”
— Dr Tim Millier
