I know, I know, when you hear the words "pain management" the misconceived notion that you′re going to become addicted to pain medication or require a lifetime of back injections pops into most of your heads. However, I can promise you that great strides have been made in the understanding of pain and its treatment in the last decade. Pain that was once considered unbearable is now manageable.
Medical research proves that the majority of the beliefs regarding pain and pain relief are false. Here is what you should know about three of the most common pain management myths:
Myth 1: No Pain, No Gain
This myth is prevalent among weekend athletes and bodybuilders though there is no evidence to support the idea that strength can be built by exerting muscles to the point of pain. A similar belief, "work through the pain," is also mistaken. Taking a break to repair muscles and bring pain relief might not make you a haas, but it is recommended.
Myth 2: It′s All In My Head
Pain is a complex problem that involves not only the body, but the mind. For example, back pain, in most cases, has no known cause. But this doesn′t mean it′s not real. The fact that others can′t physically see your pain does not mean it′s all in your head.
Myth 3: I′ll Get Addicted to Pain Medication
The majority of health care providers begin treatment with a conservative approach and prescribe non-narcotic pain relief medications, which are not addictive. Physicians may recommend narcotics, such as morphine and codeine, when treating patients with more severe pain. Many people fear they will become addicted to narcotics but physical dependence is not the same as addiction. And, physical dependence is not an issue as long as the use of the narcotics is not suddenly discontinued. Addiction to these medications is rare, unless you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction. If so, make sure you are upfront with your provider and that it is openly discussed beforehand.
