Make Pain a Thing of the Past – winter – Physician Partners of America

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The Hidden Costs of Dealing with Pain

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Pain management impacts millions of Americans each year and costs the national economy billions of dollars. This is because chronic pain costs more than just the cost of medical care.

The hidden costs of chronic pain can impact the economy of the entire country because it has such massive impacts on individuals. If you or someone in your family is going through ongoing pain, here are some of the hidden costs that you may experience:

Difficulty Working

For someone going through chronic pain problems, working can be very difficult, no matter what you do for a living. If you work in job where you have to sit most of the day, you could aggravate your pain. If you work a very physical job, that could also make pain more intense.

Depending on the source of your pain, it could be difficult to concentrate at work and perform your best. Headaches, for example, can be very hard to ignore when you are trying to work.

These difficulties can lead to serious costs. If your pain causes you to need to miss work and take sick days, that can cost both you and your company money. If the pain continues to get negatively impact your work, you run the risk of losing your job, which can lead to a number of monetary issues.

Potential Disability

Pain problems are the leading cause of disability for American adults, according to the American Chronic Pain Association. When pain reaches the point of becoming a disability, there can be a number of potential costs that come along, both for the individual and society.

If a pain-related disability leaves you unable to work, costs can quickly begin to add up. Not only will you need to pay for your medical expenses, but all of the other areas of your life as well. Even if you are able to collect disability, you are likely to have to keep costs down to make it all work out.

Trouble Enjoying Activities

Though the financial costs of chronic pain can be numerous, perhaps the most debilitating cost of all is the personal cost. When you are constantly in pain, it can make it difficult to enjoy your family, friends and hobbies.

There is no dollar amount that can make up for missing memories because you are in pain. You deserve to enjoy your life without the constant struggle of pain holding you back.

Invest in the Right Medical Treatment

With all of the costs that chronic pain can bring about, it can be overwhelming. However, your focus should be on getting better. Though there are costs associated with chronic pain treatment, getting help now can help lessen the expenses you will pay down the road.

Putting off medical treatment is not a good idea. Consider the costs of medical care as an investment in your future. You want to get your pain under control so it does not impact your ability to earn income or enjoy your life.
If you wait to get help, the pain may get worse. Treatment now can actually save you money later.

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Overcoming Arthritis Pain during the Winter Season

Find Arthritis Relief with Alternative Pain Management

While arthritis pain can be unbearable during any time of the year, many who suffer from arthritis particularly dread the winter season. Though there is little research on the effects that the winter season actually has on arthritis, there are a few theories as to why colder temperatures can intensify arthritic pain in the joints. In cooler weather, air pressure tends to be lower, which can cause tissue around the joints to expand, putting pressure on them and causing pain or stiffness. It is also possible that the cold can cause tissue to contract, pulling on joints and further intensifying pain.

No matter the cause of this increased pain, there are many treatments for arthritis pain that exist outside of prescription drugs or pain medications. At our pain relief centers, we offer a number of alternative pain management techniques designed to effectively relieve arthritis pain.

Massage Therapy

Many studies have found that massage therapy can relieve the pain that is associated with arthritis. Moderate pressure applied to muscles stimulates the nerves that send pain-reducing signals to the brain. It is important to note that applying pressure does not always help to relieve arthritis, but when done properly by a certified therapist, a periodic massage can assist in greatly decreasing pain.

Acupuncture

Similar to massage therapy, acupuncture can help loosen the tight muscles that cause arthritis pain. Muscles are especially tightened in cold weather, making acupuncture an ideal treatment during the winter season. In addition to loosening the muscles, acupuncture has been seen to help regulate the nervous system, which can help the body release endorphins that combat pain

Botox

Though many view Botox only as a cosmetic procedure, recent studies have begun to explore Botox as a treatment for pain associated with arthritis, migraines, and other forms of chronic pain. Our migraine specialists in Texas and Florida use Botox to block the signals that nerve cells send to muscles, which stops muscles from contracting. This allows Botox to block the transmission of signals between pain receptors and the brain, relieving the pain of arthritis. Pain relief from Botox can also last for a few months, meaning that it does not need to be a daily treatment for pain relief, unlike traditional painkillers.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

A spinal cord stimulator is a device used to send electrodes throughout the body. Electrodes are placed on areas of pain, and electricity is carried to nerves in the back or neck (or wherever the pain is occurring), helping to block nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. The treatment is often used by those who suffer from chronic upper and lower back pain, but it can also help to lessen the pain that is caused by arthritis.

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