The Pain Epidemic

Pain is literally an epidemic in this country. Over 100 million Americans currently suffer from chronic pain – and that is felt to be a gross underestimate. Stop and think – 100% of the population will suffer from pain at one point or another. It is the number 1 reason people visit doctors and is the leading cause of disability, with an annual cost of about $635 billion in treatment and lost productivity. Plus, the misuse of potent opioid painkillers, while increasing the risk of addiction and abuse, can confuse the conversation around chronic pain management. Opioid dependence rose a whopping 3,202% from 2007-2014. 49,000 – plus people died of an opioid overdose in 2017 – more men than women. Chronic pain and insomnia often feed off each other and a vicious cycle can ensue. Insomnia is present in 67-88% of chronic pain sufferers, and there is the same relationship with pain and depression as well. Standard antidepressants fail miserably when interlaced with chronic pain.

People in chronic pain (especially those in the Midwest) need to be screened for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, especially if the pain migrates, or shifts from one body area to another. This includes neurogenic pain such as neuropathy, Bell’s Palsy, and Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Successful treatment for chronic pain needs to be multi-disciplinary in approach and individualized to the patient. What works for one person may not work for another. A key ingredient in relieving chronic pain involves finding the root cause and treating that, whether it be bacterial, viral, allergy-related, structural, or even emotional in nature. Once the root cause is identified, appropriate therapies can be instituted. Natural health approaches maybe very successful in eliminating pain long-term and include such therapies as acupuncture, hypnotherapy, chiropractic, massage, Rife therapy, laser therapy, mental and emotional support, allergy elimination, herbals and homeopathies, bioenergetic therapies like PEMF, yoga, and meditation. At Healing Arts Center, we develop an individualized plan of care for pain management for both children and adults to achieve the most successful and long-lasting results. Call today for a free consult for our pain management services!

Call (219) 510-5623 today to schedule an appointment for our pain management services!