The "Whole Body" approach: A growing trend in chronic pain management

If you've ever seen a television ad for Cancer Treatment Centers of America, you might recall that the patients featured usually talk about the treatment approach there--that is, being treated a a whole person.

In all the months I've been posting this blog, I am hoping that you can see that the same approach is becoming a model in the world of pain management. By treating the patient as a whole--it is possible to target chronic pain from many avenues at the same time.

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine had many wise things to say in this regard. Here are some examples:

"Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease."

"If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health."

"It's far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has."

When one is faced with a chronic pain condition, it is important to understand that chronic pain takes its toll on those afflicted in emotional and physical ways. Taking pain medication for discomfort or going to the doctor for injectable treatments are useful, but of limited use. Taking care of the body, mind and soul makes a lot more sense.

Here are some take away thoughts:

By taking care of yourself you are showing respect for yourself.

You deserve that respect.

You deserve to feel your best so you are able to do your best.

You deserve to be happy.

Source: OregonLive,BrainyQuote,Cancer Centers of America,Wikimedia

Comments

Living with Chronic pain hits the big screen!

Been to the movies lately? Jennifer Aniston is on the big screen in a recent release titled "Cake." Her character, Claire is a victim of chronic pain...she belongs to a support group, where all of the members are coming to terms with the suicide of one of their members. Of course, she also takes pain medication and addiction is another of her problems...and of course there's more! I guess I am writing this post just to bring readers' attention to the fact that Hollywood has become aware of the crisis that is chronic pain. This movie is a testament to that. People that don't have to live with this kind of pain don't fully understand the whole story. Maybe this movie will shed some light on the issues. Here is the official trailer for the movie: Sources: prweb;NorthJersey.com;YouTube

Sciatica: A common pain in the butt!

Sciatica pain results from pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This nerve originates in the spine and runs down through the buttocks and the back of the leg...so if you've ever literally had a pain in the butt, it is possible that sciatica is the problem. The cause of the pressure can be from a number of sources...for instance, compression in the spinal cord due to disc injury or a tumor. The sciatica pain sensation can vary widely..it can present as a numbness or tingling, dull ache, burning, and in severe cases the pain can make movement quite difficult. Over time, it is possible for sciatica to resolve on its own. If it does not, it is important to seek medical help to determine the root cause of the pain. The usual first course of remedies for sciatica include ice application to the affected area for the first 48-72 hours, followed by heat. Over the counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are also appropriate. ...

Non Drug Pain Management Ideas: Applying the 80/20 Principle

The idea for today's post comes from my husband, who has in recent years become a follower of the paleo/primal diet. Most of the time he is very strict about this diet, making sure not to eat anything taboo. On occasion, he breaks from the rigidity of his new found way of life and enjoys a few cookies, maybe a bottle of beer, or a new pasta dish. Why, you ask? He says that according to others who follow this course, there is an 80/20 rule. This means that that if you adhere to the rules 80% of the time, you can allow yourself some leeway the other 20% of the time. It is important to bring this concept to the readers of this blog for a number of reasons: 1)If you have been following this blog at all, you know there are a lot of lifestyle changes that can tremendously enhance relief from chronic pain. For a lot of people this not an easy thing to do. By opting to follow the 80/20 rule these lifestyle modifications suddenl...

Everyday pain management ideas

Search This Blog