If you experience persistent pain, whether it’s back pain, headaches, or something else, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep suffering. There are chronic pain management doctors near you who can help you explore effective treatment options and get you feeling like yourself again.
When to Seek Chronic Pain Treatment
Can a Doctor Help My Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is usually defined as any pain that lasts for 3-6 months or longer. It’s different than acute pain, which is a sudden, severe pain that usually comes on as the result of an accident or trauma. People with acute pain are likely to seek medical attention right away, whereas people with chronic pain are more apt to ignore their symptoms and try to manage the pain on their own.
But even if you don’t think your pain requires immediate attention, it’s still vital to have it looked at. Chronic pain is usually the result of an underlying condition. If that condition is not properly diagnosed and treated, the pain will likely continue or even get worse. A doctor can figure out why you’re in so much pain and why it’s not going away.
Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor
Anytime you experience pain for an unreasonable length of time, don’t downplay your symptoms. You might not realize it, but persistent pain doesn’t just affect your body physically. It also affects you emotionally, socially, and financially, as well. When the pain starts getting in the way of your daily life, it’s time to see a doctor.
Other signs it’s time to see a doctor may include:
- You find yourself canceling plans due to pain.
- You’re self-medicating with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
- At-home and OTC treatments aren’t working.
- You have trouble sleeping due to the pain.
- The pain is accompanied by a limited range of motion.
- Even though the pain may come and go, it’s been happening for several weeks, months, or years.
If you’re still not sure if you should see a doctor for chronic pain, know that chronic pain can affect any area of the body. For example, it can be in your shoulder, elbow, back, knees, jaw, hips, arms, and legs.
You Deserve to Live Free of Pain
Most people put off seeking treatment because they don’t think anything can help them or because they’re nervous about what the treatment will involve. But at Dynamic Health, we specialize in a variety of pain management methods, including many noninvasive and holistic techniques. We create a treatment plan individualized for every patient.
Find the relief you deserve with chronic pain management in Charlotte. Contact us at (704) 525-6288 to schedule your first appointment today.