Patients

The Risks of Your Pain Becoming Chronic

Chronic pain can drastically impact your quality of life. Recognizing early signs and risk factors is crucial to prevent temporary discomfort from becoming chronic. In this blog, Ashley Aliberti, PT, DPT discusses how early intervention and in-home physical therapy can effectively manage pain. Learn how taking proactive steps can help you avoid chronic pain and maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Luna Ashley Aliberti

By Luna and Ashley Aliberti

Table of Contents

Key Takeways
  • Recognizing early warning signs and understanding risk factors for chronic pain can help prevent temporary discomfort from becoming a long-term issue.
  • Early intervention, including seeking timely medical advice and physical therapy, is crucial in managing pain and preventing its progression to chronic status.
  • In-home physical therapy with Luna offers convenience, personalized care, and flexibility, making it easier to address and manage chronic pain effectively.

Chronic pain: two words that can instill dread in anyone. If you’re battling persistent aches, you may fear it’s the beginning of a long-term struggle, but it does not have to be this way. 

“Sometimes patients think they need to wait until their pain becomes severe for it to warrant care. Physical therapists are happy to help at all stages of pain management. The sooner you get to us, the sooner we can get you back to doing what you love,” says Ashley Aliberti, PT, DPT, a dedicated physical therapist working at Luna Physical Therapy for 3 years.

Over 50 million Americans–20% of US adults–grapple with chronic pain, which dramatically impacts their quality of life. 

By recognizing early warning signs and grasping the basics of pain science, you can take proactive steps to address your aches before they become a persistent problem. Read on to learn how to avoid becoming another statistic and effectively manage your pain.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal of injury or illness, chronic pain often lingers beyond the normal healing process. It can significantly impact your daily life, affecting your sleep, mood, and ability to participate in activities you enjoy. Chronic pain can affect various parts of the body, including the back, neck, and joints, and can be influenced by a combination of physical, emotional, and environmental factors.

Early Signs of Chronic Pain

Early signs of chronic pain can vary, but some of the most common indicators include:

  • Persistent Pain: Pain that lingers beyond the expected healing period, often lasting over three months.
  • Intensity: Increasing pain intensity over time, even with rest and standard treatment.
  • Emotional Changes: Feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability associated with ongoing pain.
  • Location: Pain that spreads from its original location to other areas of the body.
  • Daily Impact: Pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep.
  • Fatigue: Chronic tiredness or fatigue that accompanies the pain.
  • Physical Changes: Stiffness, decreased mobility, or noticeable changes in posture and movement.
  • Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to touch, pressure, or temperature changes in the affected area.
  • Dependency on Pain Relief: Increased reliance on pain medications or other relief methods without significant improvement.

“Although it is never too late to seek care, identifying the signs can help you realize what is normal healing, and what may warrant some extra attention from a professional,” notes Ashley Aliberti, PT, DPT.

Recognizing these early signs can help in seeking timely medical advice and intervention, potentially preventing the progression to chronic pain.