Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point in their life. It affects about 80% of adults, making it one of the most common causes of disability and sick days. Back pain can appear suddenly or develop gradually, affecting a small area or spreading widely across the back. While some cases are easily resolved, others can be persistent and difficult to treat.
“Why do I still have pain after surgery? I thought it was supposed to stop it.”
“Why is my pain worse, or different, than it was before surgery?”
“If my surgery was successful, why haven’t I felt any relief?”
These are questions we hear often, and they point to a complicated issue: Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (PPSP), also known as Chronic Pain After Surgery.
Opioids are widely used, and strong medications used to manage pain, especially in cases of severe or chronic pain. However, these drugs come with a range of side effects, and one of the more perplexing and troubling phenomena is called opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH).
This condition describes a paradoxical response where long-term opioid use can actually increase sensitivity to pain, leading to a worsened pain state rather than pain reduction, for which it was intended.
In this blog, we'll explore what opioid-induced hyperalgesia is, who is at risk, and how it can be managed effectively.
Dealing with relentless, chronic pain can be disheartening, especially when it feels like no one has the right solution or someone suggests you simply have to live with it.
You might find yourself asking: "Is this really my life now? This pain is draining me. Nerve pain is unbearable. Shouldn't there be more modern solutions to manage my pain?"
The good news is, yes, there are ways to manage pain effectively, even if you haven't found the right approach yet. It could be that you need to look in new places or that your healthcare providers haven't pointed you in the right direction yet.
In the world of pain management, treatments are changing all the time, hence updating your treatment plan or seeking a second medical opinion can be a pivotal step towards refining and optimising your treatment pathway. Everyone’s experience with pain is unique, and different specialists may offer diverse perspectives and insights.
A second opinion, especially from an experienced pain specialist, brings fresh expertise and alternative viewpoints, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. This process can unveil new treatment options, innovative approaches, or adjustments to existing plans, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of your pain management strategy. Additionally, it empowers patients with a sense of confidence and control over their healthcare decisions. Collaborating with multiple specialists fosters a more personalised and patient-centric approach, ensuring that your treatment pathway aligns seamlessly with your specific needs and aspirations for improved well-being.
As one of Australia's leading multidisciplinary pain specialist clinics, we'll explain what chronic pain is and why it occurs. We'll also explain that chronic pain should be managed as a chronic illness and not just a symptom of an illness.
We will provide you with coping tips and practical guidance to help you take the first steps to getting yourself on the road to recovery.
