Let’s explore some reasons why your chronic pain might not be getting better, long after your the tissues have healed.
Surprising Reasons Why Your Chronic Pain is Not Improving!
Most tissues in the body have nearly completely healed within six to twelve weeks following an injury. However, many people experience chronic pain that lasts much longer. It’s important to understand that the intensity of chronic pain isn’t always directly linked to the amount of damage. In some cases, there can be severe pain with almost no detectable damage. With this in mind, we explore some reasons why your pain might not be getting better, even after the tissues have healed.
You’re afraid of the pain.
Chronic pain can mean many different things. For some of us, pain can affect our ability to work or may signal a serious underlying condition. What you believe about your pain can either amplify or reduce the symptoms you experience. If you think that every time you feel pain, you’re causing more damage, your nervous system may amplify these signals in an attempt to protect you.
If you understand the cause of your chronic pain and know that while there is discomfort, you are not in danger of causing more damage, the pain often feels less severe. This is one of the benefits of seeing a physiotherapist after an injury, as they can help you understand your chronic pain, giving you more control over your recovery.
You started moving differently after the injury.
Immediately after an injury, it’s natural to change the way you move to avoid painful movements. Over time, these altered movement patterns c
an become maladaptive and begin to cause chronic pain and discomfort due to the altered stress patterns placed on your body.
Correcting these maladaptive movement patterns can often significantly reduce pain after an injury. You might not even notice these changes, but a physiotherapist can identify and help you return to your usual movement patterns, potentially alleviating your chronic pain.
You have lost muscle strength since the injury.
While some rest following an injury is helpful, if we stop moving altogether, our muscles can lose strength. This can lead to changes in posture, increased fatigue during usual activities, and a higher susceptibility to further injury—all of which can contribute to chronic pain. Less movement also means you focus more on the pain when it does happen. Physiotherapists can advise you on the right types and amounts of exercise after an injury, helping you regain strength and reduce chronic pain.
Your pain has affected your lifestyle.
When chronic pain affects your ability to sleep, work, and concentrate, it’s not surprising that this can negatively impact your overall well-being and mental health. This can create a cycle of anxiety and depression that perpetuates and intensifies chronic pain. If your pain is getting you down, speaking to a mental health professional can be a valuable part of your recovery process.
Your physiotherapist can assess your injury and develop a treatment plan that aims to restore you to the best possible function while preventing further injuries. Remember, none of the information in this article is a replacement for proper medical advice. Always see a medical professional for advice on your individual condition.