In most cases, chronic pain is not the main issue needing treatment. Instead, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition within the body. Pain serves as a powerful signal, alerting us that something is amiss and demanding attention. All pain is a result of inadequate oxygen utilization. Improving and optimizing oxygen utilization decreases pain.
While temporary pain can be attributed to an acute injury or illness, chronic pain persists for an extended period, often beyond the time it takes for tissues to heal. This long-term presence suggests that chronic pain is a complex issue deeply rooted in the body’s systems and functions. Understanding the cause of chronic pain is essential for effective treatment and lasting relief.
Hope for Healing’s functional medicine approach will get to the bottom of your chronic pain.
Conventional approaches to chronic pain management often involve the use of painkillers (analgesics) and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). While these medications can provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying causes of chronic pain and may even lead to long-term complications. Many doctors jump to the simplest solution, which is a prescription, without considering the larger picture.
Here are some reasons why relying solely on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs is not a sustainable solution. First, over time, the body can build a tolerance to painkillers, requiring higher doses for the same level of relief. This can lead to dependence and potential addiction, creating a cycle of increasing pain and medication use.
Second, painkillers and NSAIDs can have adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, liver and kidney damage, and cardiovascular complications. Prolonged use of these drugs can exacerbate existing health problems. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs also mask pain symptoms without addressing their underlying causes. This can delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious medical conditions, allowing them to progress unchecked.
Over time, most people notice that they have to take more medication to get the same relief. Medications are often less effective for chronic pain than for acute pain, as the body’s pain receptors may adapt to their presence. As a result, chronic pain sufferers may require higher doses for the same relief.
Functional medicine seeks to address aches, cramps, and stiffness through natural and holistic methods.
Our chronic pain services in Houston and The Woodlands offer a holistic approach to chronic pain, focusing on uncovering and treating the root causes of the condition.
