Chronic Pain
In the past, these two words made me cringe. Many health care professionals feel the frustration and helplessness that accompanies these two words. Unfortunately, patients with chronic pain are sometimes labeled as drug seekers, drug abusers and drug addicts. Recently I received some very enlightening education that completely changed my point of view.
It is easy to make assumptions about people with chronic pain, but the fact of the matter is they are just that—people—people with a chronic illness. Like diabetes or hypertension, chronic pain is a disorder; one that is sadly lacking in diagnoses and proper treatment. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner patients can come to terms with the diagnosis and essentially stop searching for a “hidden” serious problem. It is important for patients to understand what chronic pain is and that there is no magic pill or treatment to take away the pain forever.
Proper collaboration between interdisciplinary team members optimizes the patient’s ability to function, decrease the number of flare-ups, and increase the time between them. As first contacts, primary care professionals must recognize the diagnosis or need for a chronic pain diagnosis. Once established, the patient can be referred for counselling to help navigate the multitude of emotions that accompany a chronic illness diagnosis. They may then be referred to other disciplines such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and social work.
With any chronic disease, many different tools are available to manage the disorder. The same concept applies to chronic pain. Medication is just one tool used to help manage chronic pain and improve daily functioning. Diet, exercise, and coping strategies also help patients live fulfilling lives and perform daily activities.
I cannot stress enough the importance of healthcare professionals viewing patients with chronic pain as people with a chronic disorder that must be managed like any other chronic disease—with compassion, understanding and time. Sometimes simply being heard is the best medicine at the moment. I hope that, with time and awareness, patients with chronic pain will be viewed without the stigma and stereotypes that have been associated with them for so long. As primary care professionals—first line contacts—we have the power to change this skewed point of view.
Sherri Jans, RN