The Effects Of Chronic Pain On Mental Health

For all those people suffering from chronic pain, we all know that excruciating pain which never seems to leave you alone, to the point where it seems like it's a part of your life. But that is still physical. What about your mental health?

In this article, we will take our time to explore how chronic pain can affect your mental health and other such related topics. We will try and understand the why, what, when, and how of chronic pain affecting an individual’s mental health.

What is chronic pain?

Before we explore the main topic, let us quickly shed some light on what chronic pain is. Chronic pain refers to a constant pain that is felt regularly or is felt in spasms. This type of pain can last for weeks, years, or even lifetimes and may tend to come and go.

The reason behind such pain can vary from case to case. However, the main reason is due to dysfunctional or inflammatory nerves.

Effect of Chronic Pain on Mental Health

If you are wondering whether chronic pains can have any effects, if at all, on an individuals’ mental health, the answer is — yes. However, the effects can be serious if an individual has mental issues and suffers from chronic pains simultaneously.

Managing chronic pain at work, at home, or in the general course of life can get difficult, giving rise to several complicated mental issues. A person may suffer from panic attacks, insomnia, along with the common occurrence of depression and anxiety.

On top of that, diagnosing chronic pain can be quite a difficult ordeal. This can cause frustration and cause an individual to be exhausted mentally, physically, and emotionally.

The connection between chronic pain and one’s mental health changes through a chain of complicated reactions which start affecting chemicals in the brain and the stress hormones. Respectively, the effects on the parts of one's brain start expanding with time.

What can be the solution?

Finding a solution can be a tricky thing as there are too many causes for the pain, which include the actual source of the chronic pain along with the causes behind the mental issues.

However, as difficult as it may prove to be, there are always some solutions that can fit you right. Of them, here are a few that you can opt for:

● Therapy

You may opt for a consultation with a pain psychologist who helps people deal with their chronic pain and their subsequent mental side effects.

● Lifestyle and self-care strategies

According to experts, positive changes to your lifestyle and self-care habits can bring about significant changes in your mental health, along with relief from chronic pain (permanent or temporary).

● Take medication

You can take prescribed medications for both chronic pain and mental health issues.

● Opt for surgical options

This includes surgeries that can help you manage your chronic pain; if not, make do with them permanently.

So that is how chronic pain can affect a person’s mental health. If you are someone who suffers from chronic pain and you see signs of depression, anxiety, or insomnia, you should immediately seek the help of a professional.

The post The Effects Of Chronic Pain On Mental Health appeared first on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a holistic doctor prescribe medication?

Holistic medicine is based around the assumption that all diseases are caused and exacerbated by a combination many factors. These include diet, lifestyles, stress levels, emotional state, genetics, environmental problems, stress, stress, and other health-related concerns.

When prescribing medication, a holistic approach is required to treat patients.

To understand how each factor affects a patient, a physician must understand modern science and traditional methods such as herbs and homeopathy.

Many doctors have been certified in complementary or alternative medicine (C&A). This allows them the ability to offer a wide variety of services to their clients.

What does complementary medicine refer to?

Complementary Medicine is an umbrella term for any medical treatment that complements mainstream medicine. This covers treatments like acupuncture, aromatherapy and chiropractic care, homeopathy or hypnosis as well massage therapy, naturopathy, reflexology and traditional Chinese medicine.

Complementary medicines are not used instead of conventional medicine but rather alongside it. They are sometimes called “alternative”, and “integrative”, as they combine Western science methods with other healing approaches.

What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include homeopathy, herbal medicine, massage therapy and homeopathy. Traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, spiritual healing, chiropractic care, homeopathy, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic care and other therapies. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies incorporate elements from conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.

Some CAM treatments can be used to relieve pain, anxiety, stress, relaxation, sleep disorders, or manage stress. They may also improve your general sense of well-being and reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.

There is no singular definition of what constitutes “CAM”, but most definitions include at the very least one of these:

A holistic perspective that takes into account both body, mind, spirit, and environment
The belief that the mind and body interact and influence each other
It is believed that illness is caused by an imbalance between the environment and the person.
Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
Combination of Eastern philosophy and Western science
Methods that treat mind, body, spirit in a holistic way
Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
Healing touch
Mindfulness
Meditation
Acupuncture
Yoga
Herbal remedies
Homeopathy
Chiropractic care
Massage therapy
Hypnotherapy
Spiritual healing
Biofeedback
Nutritional counseling
Energy healing

Certain CAM therapies may not offer all the benefits. There are also risks. If used incorrectly, some therapies can cause severe harm or even death. Some therapies can have side effects that need to be considered in order to maximize their potential benefits. Discuss these concerns with your doctor before you decide to use any CAM.

What is the Difference Between Naturopathic & Holistic Medicine?

The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies on drugs or surgery for its primary treatments. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM should not be considered as a replacement for traditional treatment. Instead, CAM can help patients take control of their health by helping them choose the best option.

Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. The whole person, mind and spirit are treated by naturopathy. There are many forms and types of naturopathy.

It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Both doctors and naturopaths may prescribe herbal remedies. But, naturopaths are more concerned with lifestyle changes than prescribing medications.

Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.

There are differences between naturopathic medicine and other CAM modalities:

Naturopaths do not usually prescribe medication or diagnose illnesses.
Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients' family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
The provincial licensing boards for Naturopathic physicians regulate Naturopathic physicians, while CAM practitioners can be self-regulated.
Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
Naturopaths are very conscious of lifestyle factors. They emphasize nutrition, sleep and stress management as well as exercise and mental health.
Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
Naturopodists can provide personalized care, based on the individual needs of each patient.
Regulators such as the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario license Naturopaths.
Provincial regulatory bodies license naturopatrists.
Naturopaticians have been registered with The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia issues licenses to Naturotherapists.
The United States National Board of Medical Examiners is authorized to license Naturobiotic therapists.
Homeopaths are licensed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
The term “holistic” refers the belief that all aspects, including physical, spiritual, social, and mental, should be taken into consideration when making decisions about one’s health. Holistic doctors will consider these elements together instead of focusing only on one aspect.

Statistics

The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)

External Links

How To

What are the 4 types of complementary or alternative medicine?

The four main categories of CAM are mind-body medicine, natural products, manipulative therapies, and energy healing. Mind-body medicine covers yoga, Tai Chi and Reiki, as well as chiropractic care, homeopathy (naturopathy), biofeedback, hypnosis and hypnosis. Natural products are herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Manipulative therapies are physical manipulations like acupuncture or chiropractic care, acupuncture or therapeutic exercise. You can also use prayer and visualization to help you heal your energy.

CAM stands for a broad range of health practices that go beyond the Western medical system. The scientific evidence supporting these practices is varied, as are the types of drugs they use and what conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Others do both.

These four categories are not the only ones. There are many subcategories within each one. For example, within mind-body medicine, there are relaxation techniques, mindfulness training, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, yoga, qigong, Tai chi, deep breathing exercises, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, stress management, biofeedback, and visualization. Natural products can include nutritional supplements and botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies as well as essential oils, botanical medicines, essential oils, nutraceuticals herbal preparations, medicinal herbs, and teas. Manual, movement, manipulation, electrotherapies and soft tissue mobilization are some of the manipulative therapies. There are also spiritual healing methods such as prayer, faith healing, and energy healing.

Many CAM treatments help symptoms without addressing the cause of the disease. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used correctly, CAM may be a complement to conventional treatments.

There are many reasons people use CAM.

To improve their overall health.
To manage a certain condition.
To reduce pain or discomfort.
To prevent illness.
To promote wellness.
To address a personal belief.

Because it gives them more control than traditional medicine, some people choose CAM. Some may feel it has less side effects. Some choose CAM because they don't have to take prescription medication. Others prefer to avoid taking pharmaceuticals whenever possible. Some people seek out CAM to avoid having to repeat the same mistakes they had with traditional medicine.

People who use CAM often say that they want to know the basics of what they are doing before trying anything new. Many CAM users have questions about safety and effectiveness. Others rely on word of mouth from friends and family members.

Although CAM may be seen as a negative thing in society, most people who use it report positive feelings. People who use CAM are more happy and healthier than those who do not. This is true regardless age, gender and race.

Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. Nearly all adults–95%–use one type of CAM at least once during their lifetime. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health was able to estimate that around 40 million people visited CAM practitioners in 2010 alone.

The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.

The American Medical Association renewed its support for integrative medicines in 2013. It recognized that doctors must “integrate scientifically valid alternative and complementary medicine into clinical practices…to meet patients' needs.”

The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.

Despite this conclusion, CAM continues to grow in popularity. 2008 saw a 8 percent increase in the number of CAM professionals compared to 2007.

A recent study revealed that almost half of respondents use CAM as partof their primary healthcare regime.

CAM therapies include natural products, mind-body practices, manipulative techniques, energy healing modalities, exercise, dietary supplements, and other approaches.

Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.

Acupuncture can be used to relieve back pain, anxiety, depression, increase immune function, promote weight loss, and improve menstrual symptoms.

Many CAM therapies are rooted in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. They have been around for thousands of years.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first practiced in China over 5,000 year ago.

It was not until the mid-1800s when Western science began to gain prominence, but TCM remains an important element of health care today.

TCM treatment is now used by over 70% of American citizens.

Another popular CAM therapy is yoga. Yoga originated in India around 5000 B.C. It is now accepted all over the world.

Yoga is gaining popularity because of its many benefits, including spiritual, mental and physical.

Yoga can reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve strength. It also helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Although limited scientific research has been done, yoga may have beneficial effects on sleep33.

Other CAM therapies are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.

One of the most used types of CAM is herbal medicine.

Herbal medicines contain herbs, spices, flowers, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, bark, leaves, roots, and stems.

They are commonly used as safer alternatives to prescription drugs and are often preferred by consumers.

The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.

The National Institutes of Health estimates 60% of cancer patients use CAM. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports approximately 50% of all cancer survivors report using CAM.

According to a recent study, 51% cancer survivors have used at the very least one type of CAM.

Only 8% of these people discussed the use of this medication with their doctors.

This is a serious problem with healthcare delivery because there is not enough communication between conventional medical practitioners and CAM users.

–

——————————————————————————————————————————————

This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.

If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.