Chronic pain can reduce the productivity of a nation!

What is chronic pain? A few decades ago, chronic pain was primarily associated with the geriatric population. In this decade and time, chronic pain is no longer limited to the elderly population and is increasingly affecting people of all ages. Any pain lasting longer than 12 weeks can come under this category. There could be myriad underlying causes for chronic pain, such as injury, arthritis, cancer, nerve damage, and others.

Why is chronic pain becoming an increasingly visible health concern, even in the younger population? And in population across age groups? The reasons for them can be because of many factors, including lifestyle factors, such as poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. The other reasons could be because of physical injuries sustained due to repetitive motions in certain sports, certain chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sickle cell anemia, and, notably, mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that can cause physical symptoms, including chronic pain. Some experts opine that a genetic predisposition to chronic pain can be influenced by the genes one inherits from their parents.

Another important reason is that if one has yet to perform a particular physical activity such as trekking, sports, or running marathons in their growing years and suddenly take up such activities in one's thirties, this can cause degeneration of joints and muscles. Excessive exercising can also lead to chronic pain.

Chronic pain can negatively affect a person's life's physical, psychological, and social aspects. When left untreated or inadequately managed, chronic pain can lead to decreased energy levels, reduced motivation, decreased focus and concentration, and increased stress and anxiety. These factors can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform at work, school, or other daily activities, leading to decreased productivity.

It's, therefore, important to seek medical attention to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

A few decades ago, the primary approach to chronic pain was prescribing painkillers. However, it has become increasingly clear that long-term use of painkillers can lead to many other issues, such as physical dependence, tolerance, and in some cases, addiction. Then came surgery, which was determined as the necessary strategy to treat the underlying cause of chronic pain. But, surgeries come with their own risks, such as ineffective healing (which might be due to many other reasons), infection, and re-emergence of the problem.

Epione Pain Management provides a new-age solution

We focus on finding the underlying causes of chronic pain and addressing them rather than simply masking the symptoms with medication.

After conducting vigorous research, Epione has envisaged a new-age solution -Regenerative Therapy, an emerging field of medicine that aims to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged or diseased tissues in the body. In chronic pain, regenerative therapies have shown promise as a treatment option. A robust approach of Epione is Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a concentration of platelets obtained from a patient's blood. It is injected into the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain.

 EPIONE's three-fold strategy

We focus on envisaging more personalized, evidence-based, and holistic approaches to treatment. The strategy of pain management at Epione follows a three-fold approach. First, a thorough diagnosis of the underlying cause; second, determination of the right therapy and third, rehabilitation. The first step is a correct diagnosis that determines the approach to be adopted for the patient. We work with our patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that's tailored to individual needs and medical history.

Second, once the diagnostics establish the problem, a treatment protocol is established and implemented.

The third step is rehabilitation with physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. We also recommend mind-body therapies in some cases, such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help you manage chronic pain by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

At our Centre, we have treated more than 10,000 patients with knee problems, 2-3000 patients with shoulder pain, and more than 1000 patients with hip issues.

Chronic pain is a widespread issue that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives, relationships, and ability to work. People with chronic pain who receive adequate treatment are more likely to be able to work, participate in daily activities, and maintain social relationships. This can have a ripple effect on the economy, as people are able to contribute more to society and support their families. Effective pain management can improve quality of life and increase productivity, leading to improved economic and social outcomes.

Disclaimer: No Deccan Chronicle journalist was involved in creating this content. The group also takes no responsibility for this content.