Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - (Page 14)

QRA: pAin Pain, Pain Go Away Relief fRom chRonic pain can be elusive, but not impossible Hernan Jimenez, MD, Physiatry, board certified Enduring pain from a one-time injury or strain is bad enough. But what if you had to endure pain that seemingly had no cause at all? Chronic pain sufferers are often told that their condition is “all in their head,” but as those who live with it will tell you, it’s very real. Here, we answer three questions surrounding this mysterious condition. What is chronic Pain? “Chronic pain doesn’t typically fall into the same category as acute pain,” says Hernan Jimenez, MD, a Sanford-based, board-certified physiatrist on staff at Central Carolina Hospital. While acute pain is targeted, such as pain after surgery, chronic pain may not be identifiable. “It can persist for months or even years,” says Jimenez. “And standard medications may not relieve this pain.” Many physicians and researchers believe chronic pain is a disease in itself. So what causes chronic pain? “Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer,” says Jimenez. “It’s sometimes associated with an initial injury or illness, such as a back sprain, ear infection or cancer.” But many times, chronic pain persists without a known reason. It often presents itself as lower back pain, but it can affect any area of the body. Chronic pain can have detrimental, longterm effects on both the mind and body. Jimenez also notes that those who suffer from it are more prone to depression. is chronic Pain treatable? If you suffer from chronic pain, rest assured that treatment options are available. Medication—including anti-inflammatory medications, antidepressants and even seizure medication—as well as electrical stimulation and surgery have been found to offer relief. “But before we can determine whether or not chronic pain is truly the cause, we need to perform an evaluation so we can be sure we’re not dealing with another entity,” Jimenez says. He states that it’s common for people with chronic pain to stop doing almost anything that could actually improve their situation— such as exercising. The goal of exercise for patients with musculature insufficiency, especially in the lower back, is to strengthen those muscles to reduce pain. “Lack of exercise and failure to follow your physician’s orders can lead to other problems that actually increase your symptoms,” Jimenez says. What’s on the horizon for Pain management? Jimenez hopes that awareness of chronic pain as a bona fide disease will help advance the research for a cure. As more doctors diagnose it, researchers can further their tests and findings using evidence-based medicines on what combination of treatments work best for people with chronic pain. “It’s important to realize there’s no magic bullet,” Jimenez cautions. While there is no single solution for every problem, dealing with chronic pain is not a passive relationship. He stresses, “A person who has chronic pain must take ownership and actively engage in their treatment in order to reduce their pain.” 14 | FA L L 2 0 1 0 42 million The number of Americans (roughly 20% of the population) who say pain disrupts their sleep a few nights a week or more. Phys•i•a•trist, 1. a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Physiatrists specialize in restoring optimal function to people with injuries to the muscles, bones, tissues, and nervous system, such as stroke victims. Source: MedicineNet If you’v e be pain, n en living with ow is th chronic e treatm ent. Ta time to seek lk with trist. C a phys all (80 iafor a fr 0) 483-638 ee phy 5 sician referra l. F Relieifnd Now

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010
Contents
Health Beat
Journey of Hope
Treats Not Tricks
Surgery Snapshot
Heart Smart
Q+A

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 (Page Cover1)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 (Page 2)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Contents (Page 3)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Health Beat (Page 4)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Health Beat (Page 5)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Journey of Hope (Page 6)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Journey of Hope (Page 7)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Journey of Hope (Page 8)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Journey of Hope (Page 9)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Treats Not Tricks (Page 10)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Surgery Snapshot (Page 11)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Heart Smart (Page 12)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Heart Smart (Page 13)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Q+A (Page 14)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Q+A (Page 15)
Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2010 - Q+A (Page Cover4)
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