According to data cited by the American Academy of Pain Medicine, more than 76 million Americans suffer from either chronic or severe pain. Another 50 million experience pain from diabetes, coronary heart disease, and cancer. The report also found that healthcare expenses, sick days, and reduced production cost businesses $100 billion annually. It is the insight into how pain management influences the quality of life that reflects the heavy burden on those who suffer from it.
The most common reports of pain include the lower back, migraines, the neck, and the facial area. For the many people who suffer daily, the most gripping commonality between them is the absence of quality of life. Research by the AAPM found that patients most often cited four concerns when discussing lifestyles with their pain management professionals.
- Loss of Enjoyment: Two out of three pain sufferers cite a loss of enjoyment in their daily living because of the complexities of suffering from chronic or severe conditions. The consequences of untreated pain disrupt work, sleep, and daily activities like time spent with family and friends. NCBI found that chronic pain caused both a physical and emotional response. Moreover, it also affected sensory, cognitive, and interpersonal relationships. Because of the familial and societal implications of chronic pain conditions, physicians who provide multidisciplinary pain management care improve the overall quality of life better than those who focus solely on the pain itself.
- Feelings of Depression: Three out of four people who suffer from chronic pain say they also suffer from depression because of the restrictive and isolated lifestyles they are forced to lead. Depression and pain are closely aligned because the body uses a physical and emotional response to warn people when something is amiss. It is one of the areas that pain management providers may need to assess since depression often increases pain levels in the body. If you are feeling any form of depression from chronic pain, it is critical to discuss it with your provider as it will affect your overall health.
- Lack of Concentration: Seven out of ten chronic pain sufferers say they experience a lack of concentration. When you suffer from pain, your body is in a constant state of acknowledgment. Focusing on anything other than the pain becomes a chore because of the continuous feeling of disorientation. It is debilitating, and the inability to concentrate affects your capacity to do the simplest of tasks. When it becomes too much, people often suffer secondary consequences like job loss or academic deficiency.
- Lower Energy Levels: Three out of four people endure fatigue while also battling against pain levels. Low energy can significantly alter the quality of life because of the association of pain to conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or inflammatory disease. Chronic conditions like immune deficiencies, weight loss, or illness can additionally drain energy from the body. For those who do not seek medical care, the likelihood of financial or medical complications increases as the quality of life decreases.
Maryland Pain & Wellness Center recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. Individual assessment and treatment may include medication, physical or aquatic therapy, meditation, or acupuncture. We also realize the relationship between mental well-being and pain management which is why psychological consultation is available to enhance the lives of our patients. Please visit our Patient Education page or contact us for more information on any of our pain management services.
