Three Misconceptions About Chronic Pain
We spend a lot of time on this blog talking about chronic pain because so many come to painkiller addiction and the need for Suboxone treatment because of the problem. Like prescription drug addiction, there are a number of misconceptions around chronic pain. Here are three of them.
Misconception #1: Chronic Pain is a Psychological Problem
Nope. Chronic pain is a very real, very painful physical problem even if the doctor can’t pinpoint the medical cause. Unfortunately, not every doctor has specialized training in pain management and yours may be ill-equipped to help you. If your doctor tells you that you’re imagining the pain or treats you as if you are malingering, ditch him or her and get a second opinion. Just because your condition is unusual or not readily apparent doesn’t mean it’s not real. Or that you’re weak. Or weak-willed. Or just depressed.
Misconception #2: Everyone On Painkillers is a Drug Addict
There’s such a negative stereotype about drug addicts that even a legal prescription for an opiate painkiller (just one, not multiple and even for a short period of time) can cast doubt on your nature. Are you suddenly going to start lying about your drug use and selling your family members’ belongings to get more pills? Are you going to blow your savings and end up on the street due to drug seeking? Are you going to turn into a zombie at risk of overdose every time you take your prescription? Um, most likely no. But this is yet another misconception that those who are taking painkillers have to deal with.
Misconception #3: Treating Chronic Pain is Impossible
Difficult in some cases, yes. Nightmarish even, possibly. But few things are impossible and chronic pain treatment isn’t one of them. You may have to make some sacrifices. You may have to spend some time trying different medications in different combinations on different schedules until you figure out what works for you (under a doctor’s supervision, of course). But treatment of chronic pain with a patient pain specialist is never an impossibility.
Any other misconceptions about pain management that have particularly plagued you guys?
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