Pain is a universal experience and a vital communication tool that our bodies use to alert us to potential harm. However, not all pain is equal. Understanding the differences between acute and chronic pain is crucial for effective management and treatment. At Recovery Without Walls, we specialize in addressing the complexities of chronic pain, offering innovative solutions that avoid the risks associated with opioid pain relievers.
Defining Acute and Chronic Pain
Acute pain is your body’s immediate response to potential or actual injuries. It is sudden and sharp, serving as a clear signal to take notice and react. Common causes include surgery, broken bones, dental work, burns, or cuts. Acute pain is typically short-lived, lasting only until you resolve the underlying cause.
Chronic pain is persistent, often lasting for months or even longer. It continues even after the injury or illness that caused it has healed or disappeared. Chronic pain can arise from ongoing causes such as cancer, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or nerve damage. It can also occur without a past injury or any evident body damage, making it particularly challenging to treat.
Other Wellness Issues Associated With Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can set off a cascade of additional health issues that profoundly affect your quality of life.
- Insomnia: Persistent pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to continual sleep deprivation.
- Depression and anxiety: The constant stress of dealing with chronic pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness and anxiety.
- Fatigue: Chronic pain is emotionally and physically exhausting, leading to severe fatigue that affects everyday activities.
- Mood changes: People living with chronic pain often experience significant mood swings and irritability, impacting their social interactions and close relationships.
Non-Addictive Pain Relief
Many people use opioids to relieve pain. While these medications can be effective in the short term, they carry a high risk of addiction, especially when people rely on them to manage chronic conditions. The nationwide opioid crisis and the number of people lost to accidental overdose have highlighted the dangers of dependency and the need for safer, more sustainable pain management strategies.
At Recovery Without Walls, we recognize the limitations and risks of traditional opioid therapies. Dr. Howard Kornfeld has pioneered the use of buprenorphine for pain management, particularly for patients with chronic pain complicated by opioid dependence. Buprenorphine provides effective pain relief with a significantly lower risk of addiction compared to traditional opioids. Because buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, people taking this medication do not experience the euphoria associated with opioid medications. However, they still experience improved pain control with fewer psychiatric symptoms.
Recovery Without Walls provides innovative, comprehensive pain management solutions that address the physical and psychological aspects of pain. Our approach enhances our clients’ quality of life by helping them avoid the dangers of opioids. Contact our team today to regain control with integrative medicine.