Living With Chronic Pain
If you have pain that lasts more than six months, you have chronic pain. It’s different from the temporary pain of an injury, and it can affect your whole body and mind. But there is hope. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA manage chronic pain and reclaim their lives.
Request an AppointmentHow Chronic Pain Affects Your Life
With chronic pain, you may not always know why you hurt. Pain can ripple through every part of your life, affecting sleep, energy, mood, relationships, and work. Many people with chronic pain also experience anxiety, depression, frustration, and isolation. Understanding these connections is the first step toward feeling better.
Practical Tips for Managing Chronic Pain
- Stay active: Gentle, regular movement keeps muscles strong and joints flexible. See our guide to exercising with chronic pain.
- Pace yourself: Break tasks into smaller steps and rest before pain becomes severe.
- Prioritize sleep: Keep a consistent schedule and a calm bedtime routine.
- Manage stress: Deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises can reduce how strongly you feel pain.
- Eat well: A balanced diet supports overall health and a healthy weight reduces strain on joints.
- Stay connected: Spend time with supportive friends and family and consider joining a support group.
- Track your pain: A pain journal helps you and your provider spot patterns and triggers.
Caring for Your Emotional Health
Chronic pain and mood are closely linked. Pain can lead to depression and anxiety, and those feelings can make pain worse. Talking with a counselor or therapist can help you develop coping skills. If you take opioids, it is also important to understand the connection between opioids and depression.
Medical Treatment Options
A pain management specialist can identify the source of your pain and offer targeted treatments. Options at LA Pain Doctor include lumbar epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy, trigger point injections, and advanced therapies like spinal cord stimulator implants. We also provide careful pain medication management. Learn more in understanding pain management and our guides to living with osteoarthritis, living with rheumatoid arthritis, and living with CRPS.
Living With Chronic Pain FAQs
What is considered chronic pain?
Pain that lasts longer than three to six months, or longer than expected after an injury heals, is considered chronic.
Can chronic pain affect my mood?
Yes. Chronic pain is closely linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems, and treating both together often helps.
Is it safe to exercise with chronic pain?
For most people, yes. Gentle, gradual activity can reduce pain and improve strength and mood.
How can I sleep better with chronic pain?
A consistent sleep schedule, a calm bedtime routine, and addressing pain sources can help improve sleep.
Should I keep a pain journal?
Yes. Tracking pain levels, activities, and triggers helps you and your provider make better treatment decisions.
What treatments can help chronic pain?
Injections, nerve treatments, spinal cord stimulation, medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes can all help.
How do I get help for chronic pain?
Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule a visit at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
You Don’t Have to Face Chronic Pain Alone
Our team is here to help you feel better. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.