Pain Awareness Month

September is Pain Awareness Month. According to the National Library of Medicine, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage." Pain is a subjective, personal experience that is shaped by a person's past exposure to painful stimuli during their lifetime. "Biological, psychological, and social factors" contribute to how a person experiences pain, and their interpretation should be respected.

According to the Chronic Pain Among Adults 2019-2021 Weekly Report by the CDC "during 2021, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million persons) experienced chronic pain". It can be debilitating and affect all aspects of a person's life. Not only can it cause physical symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping, but it can also cause difficulty staying focused at work, trouble maintaining relationships, and financial instability. Chronic pain: Medication decisions by the Mayo Clinic includes many options for pain management. Acetaminophen, Cox-2 inhibitors, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and opioids are some of the available treatment options. With the opioid crisis worldwide, non-pharmaceutical approaches are being utilized more to control chronic pain. What is Pain, and how do you treat it by MedicalNewsToday lists many options for managing pain including acupuncture, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy.

NurtureYourWholeSelf.com has numerous educational links for health promotion and managing chronic illnesses and conditions, including chronic pain. Nurture your body, mind, and soul to become the best version of yourself.