Dr. George Hatoum is a practicing physician who believes patient care should be the first priority. He is a general practitioner with specialized interests in chronic pain. Also, Dr. George Hatoum has been a fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP).
According to Dr. George Hatoum, acute and chronic pains are the two types. Acute pain alerts you to the fact that your body has been wounded. It doesn’t generally last long. It should dissipate as your body heals. Chronic pain lasts far longer.
Chronic discomfort can last for months or years. Chronic discomfort might make it challenging to go about your everyday activities. People with chronic pain may also experience low self-esteem, sadness, and rage since the discomfort lasts so long. People with chronic pain are frequently experiencing depression and these emotions can sometimes exacerbate the pain.
Chronic pain symptoms
Chronic pain can affect any part of the body. As per Dr. George Hatoum, chronic pain patients may experience pain to any part of the body:
- Headaches
- Backache
- Cancer pain
- Arthritis pain in any joint
- Pain caused by nerve injury
According to Dr. George Hatoum, the pain can indeed be described as follows:
- A persistent aching
- Soreness
- Sometimes burning pain
- Other symptoms can occur in those who have chronic pain. These could include fatigue, difficulty sleeping, or mood swings.
What factors contribute to persistent pain?
Chronic pain can be caused by an old injury, infection, or any chronic disease. Sometimes the source of the pain is unknown.
According to Dr. George Hatoum, conditions that might cause or provoke chronic pain include:
- Infections
- Migraines or headaches
- Back issues (Osteoarthritis)
- Cancer
- Arthritis in any joint
- Fibromyalgia (Muscle pain)
- Damage to the nerves
- Prior surgery
- Pain, including chronic pain, is exacerbated by depression and stress.
Is it possible to prevent or avoid chronic pain?
Dr. George Hatoum maintains that chronic pain cannot be avoided in many circumstances. Some causes, like cancer, can be prevented in various ways. However, if you have chronic pain, there is always things you could do to reduce, control or even cure it if we can address the original cause.
Chronic pain treatment
Chronic pain treatment aims to reduce the pain and enhance your ability to function. There are numerous therapy options available. They usually do not relieve all of your pain. They can, however, lower the severity and frequency of your discomfort. Among the more prevalent therapies are:
Medicine
Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants are medications used to treat chronic pain. Different types of medications assist persons suffering from various forms of pain. If your doctor prescribes over-the-counter pain medicine, read and follow the package directions. Pain that comes and goes is treated with short-acting medications. For chronic pain, your doctor will usually recommend long-acting medications.
Dr. George Hatoum notes that prescription pain medication may be recommended by your doctor. Make sure you follow their directions on how to take the medication. Opioids are found in many prescription pain medications. Opioids can be helpful when used as prescribed. However, many people who abuse opioids develop an addiction. Opioid addiction is a significant health problem that can result in death. As such these medications are to be avoided in almost all chronic pain conditions.
Therapy
According to Dr. George Hatoum, several sorts of therapy can help you feel better:
- Physiotherapy to assist with stretching and muscle strengthening practices are part of physical therapy.
- Walking, swimming or riding are examples of low-impact exercises.
- Occupational therapy teaches you how and where to pace yourself and perform everyday chores in a new way. This assists you in reducing your discomfort or avoiding re-injury.
- Behavioral therapy- techniques for relaxing and reducing stress. Meditation, tai chi, or yoga could be among them.
- Treating the mental health issues that are linked to the chronic pain is essential.
Almost everything you do may help you regulate your discomfort to relax or distract yourself from your problems. Even if you are using pain medication, you should incorporate relaxing activities into your routine.
Relaxation can really alter the molecules in the body that cause pain. It may take several weeks of stress-reduction techniques before you see a reduction in discomfort. Your doctor can advise you on stress management and relaxation techniques.
Alternative and complementary medicine (CAM)
Some patients who suffer from chronic pain benefit from complementary and alternative therapy (CAM). These are treatments that are not commonly used in mainstream medicine. These therapies include acupuncture and massage. Before attempting any CAM procedures, consult with your family doctor, such as Dr George Hatoum.
According to Dr. George Hatoum, severe chronic pain may necessitate more invasive treatment. Electrical stimulation, nerve blocks, and surgery occasionally may be used. Chronic pain is usually incurable but frequently can be managed so it does not interfere with the quality of life. Speak with your doctor about the best way to manage your pain.
