When to see a doctor for ongoing pain
Do you struggle with everyday pain in your neck, back, joints, Gi tract, or another part of the body? You may think its normal because of your job, lifestyle, or just another part of aging. However, there comes a point where chronic pain is no longer acceptable in daily life.
Oftentimes patients wait well beyond that point to seek help. They make excuses, telling themselves, It’s not that bad, or I should just fix my posture or exercise more often; then I’d feel better. However, there are many circumstances where chronic pain is caused by a deeper issue, and cannot be fixed with self-care remedies even with the best intentions.
If you notice these four signs, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a pain specialist to look into treatment options for your everyday pain:
You take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers every day.
NSAID pain relievers are safe to take as directed without a doctor’s supervision for things like muscle aches, mild headaches, or menstrual pain. However, you should typically only take them for up to 10 days in a row maximum before speaking to a doctor about your issues. If you’re taking NSAIDs, aspirin, or acetaminophen on a daily basis, you should call a doctor to discuss your underlying pain.
You take higher doses of OTCs than recommended.
Not only is this dangerous, but it is a sign that you need more help than what can be given by over-the-counter medications. Some of these medications can cause adverse effects if taken with prescription medications and are almost always dangerous if you take more than recommended. If you’re watching the clock for your next OTC pill, it’s time to seek professional help.
You can’t sleep, eat, or do normal activities because of your chronic pain.
Aching joints are common among older Americans, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not serious. If pain is causing you to lose sleep, skip meals, or say no to fun activities with your family, you should seek a doctor’s guidance. They can give you your life and mobility back which is something worth fighting for.
Pain is always on your mind.
Pain should never be the first thing you think about when you wake up or the only thing that’s on your mind when doing something you enjoy. If pain is controlling your life, it’s time to take it back. Talk to a pain specialist to find lasting solutions that don’t limit your life as chronic pain does.
AT PPOA, we create lasting solutions for pain patients to help them live healthy, happy lives without chronic pain. To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a visit with your local PPOA physician today!