Fear of pain is a primal instinct, and since we understand our senses, we have been programmed to avoid pain. Insisting that pain is always bad news, on the other hand, may obstruct awareness of pain's multiple dimensions. Pain has been shown to increase the perceived value of certain activities, such as punishment or endurance sports, despite or possibly because of their unpleasantness. Pain plays a vital part in our lives and, more specifically, our growth. Pain can provide feedback, tell us important information, and be the catalyst for positive changes. Pain can be temporary, rewards can be great.
Most individuals experience pain at some point in their lives, and when it becomes severe enough, it may be crippling. Pain is sometimes referred to as "the fifth vital sign" by doctors since it may be useful in determining a person's health and indicating the existence of illness. When our pain receptors are functioning properly, pain is a valuable means for our bodies to warn our brains when a stimulus is a threat to our general well-being.
Resistance builds muscle, so always avoiding pain is a dangerous recipe for stagnation and stunted growth. Taking Norco, Vicodin, or OxyContin, to name a few, does not heal anything, but rather provides temporary relief. To make matters more complicated, most painkillers are highly addictive. These medications are opioids that flood the brain with dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. The same drugs that first offered comfort might eventually cause increased pain, a condition known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia. However, oftentimes, the price you pay for temporary relief is dependence on the pain reliever itself and/or greater, more persistent pain down the road. Taking these drugs does not provide you with a learning experience or an opportunity for introspection. In fact, it numbs you from the reality of what the pain’s source is. It might buy you time, but it does not encourage you to take action.
Millions of people have to utilize pain relief medications for various reasons and are thankful to have these options. Today’s medical advances and availability of medications should be celebrated, but not shoved down the throats of millions as a "one size fits all" approach to pain management. Do we always need to be so quick to silence and numb our pain? Have we found ourselves unwilling to experience any discomfort, even if it means learning, growing, and becoming stronger? Are we always looking for a very easy way out or a quick solution instead of taking the time to identify root causes? Approximately 78 people die every day in this Country from opiate addiction. It might be time for us to re-evaluate our relationship with pain.
Being proactive and alert before you start using any form of pain medicine can help you avoid issues and addiction. It's critical to consult a pain management and addiction expert if you or a loved one is struggling with chronic pain and has gotten addicted to medicines. If you or someone you love suffers from chronic pain-related addictions, do not hesitate to call and speak with one of our counselors for a free consultation at 949-200-7929. To help us get to know you better, you may also take this quick assessment and verify your insurance.
