Are you struggling with chronic pain? You’re not alone. According to a 2011 study published in the official journal of the Canadian Pain Society, 18.9% of Canadians aged 18 or over suffer from some form of chronic pain, half of whom have been putting up with the condition for over ten years. But even with such a widespread prevalence, chronic pain is often misunderstood, or simply dismissed when in many cases relief can be explained in only a few weeks with the right treatment.
What is chronic pain?
Pain that lasts more than six months, whether mild or incapacitating, continuous or episodic, is considered to be chronic. Examples of chronic pain include:
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Injury
- Backaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Nerve damage
Chronic pain is often caused by old injuries that did not heal properly. Persistent pain can also be caused by wear and tear injuries, muscle weakness or imbalance, the onset of several diseases, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
Because the source of discomfort is often difficult to pinpoint, many people suffering from chronic pain hesitate to seek medical advice, sometimes being told that the pain is ‘all in their head’ or that ‘nothing can be done to help’. The truth is quite the opposite – chronic pain is a medical condition that should be taken seriously, as it might be caused by a serious physiological problem. At Alberta Back and Neck & Sports Injuries, we have cutting edge technology that can relieve the pain in the vast majority of cases.
When to seek medical help
Being in quasi-constant pain can quickly take its toll on your well-being and mental health, and is often associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue and irritability. Suffering from chronic pain can drastically reduce your quality of life, which is why it’s important that you consult a specialist, such as a chiropractor associated with a chronic pain clinic in Calgary.
Keep in mind that the longer you wait before seeking help with your chronic pain, the higher your risk of related complications becomes. Furthermore, while the cause of your pain might be benign, it could also be a sign of more serious underlying issues that need to be dealt with promptly.
Where to turn
If you’re suffering from chronic pain in Calgary, our chiropractors at Alberta Back and Neck Rehab & Sports Injuries clinic can help. Inside our state-of-the-art facilities, we look for the cause of your pain with various testing and/or imaging procedures. We will work with you to find an answer to your problem, no matter how big or small it may seem. There are solutions that can dramatically reduce your symptoms, and we’re committed to finding the right treatment for you.
Free yourself from the shackles of chronic pain – make an appointment at our Calgary chronic pain centre today. The joys of active, pain-free living are within your reach. All you need to do is take the first step.
