Treating and Managing Chronic Pain Using Natural Products and Alternative Medicine Modalities

 

(This is part 1 of a 3-part blog post.)

 

Pain and the Bible

If someone tells you that you are a pain in the neck, then the situation must be serious! Those who suffer from any kind of chronic pain on an ongoing basis, know how debilitating it is. Christians and non-Christians alike suffer from pain. It is neither selective nor partial. Its effects are not only physical but mental and emotional. It can even affect your spiritual health. We have included some bible verses that can offer you comfort.  Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that can arise from various sources and affect individuals differently.

 

Jabez asked God to keep him free from pain. This is popularly called the prayer of Jabez and is found in the Book of Chronicles.

 

1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

This does not mean that if we pray this verse God will take away our pain. We would be happy if He does but we ask and trust that in His wisdom and power, He will do for us what is best.

 

Two of the Common Causes of Pain

Pain is a complex and multifaceted experience that can arise from various sources and affect individuals differently. For this three-part blog post, we will focus on two of the common causes:

Musculoskeletal Pain:

Musculoskeletal pain, affecting muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints, is one of the most prevalent types of pain.Inflammation of the tissues in that area will also contribute to pain.

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Causes include injuries (eg. strains, sprains, and fractures), overuse, poor posture, and conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Neuropathic Pain:

Neuropathic pain results from damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, leading to abnormal signaling and perception of pain.      Conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, sciatica, and postherpetic neuralgia are common causes of neuropathic pain.

 

Groups of People More Prone to Suffering from Pain

Some groups of people are more prone to pain based on factors such as age, activity, and gender. These include:

 

Older Adults - Aging is often accompanied by an increased prevalence of chronic conditions, musculoskeletal degeneration, and neurological disorders, all of which can contribute to pain.

 

Women - Research suggests that women may experience pain more frequently and intensely than men, particularly due to conditions like menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis.

 

Athletes – Athletes may experience pain fairly frequently as they engage in strenuous physical activities while conditioning their bodies to perform well in competitions. They are also prone to injuries. Athletes who perform in all categories of sport are likely to get injured at one point or another. Some of these injuries are more serious than others and can be career-ending or even result in death. Others are easy to recover from or can be managed by proper treatment.

Individuals Injured in Accidents – Many people receive life-changing injuries from motor vehicle accidents, accidents related to their jobs (eg. Firemen and construction workers), and physical activities that they engage in as a hobby or for leisure (eg. rock climbing, bungee-jumping, and jet skiing).

 

Individuals with Chronic Illnesses - Those living with chronic conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing persistent pain.

 

Individuals with Mental Health Conditions - Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can exacerbate pain perception and lower pain tolerance according to research. In my opinion, being someone who suffers from pain, that may be true, but sometimes people just do not believe that a person is experiencing pain to the extent that they state. Pain is not visible and rating it is subjective.

 

The Impact of Pain

 

Physical Impact:

Pain can significantly impair mobility, diminish physical function, and interfere with activities of daily living.

Chronic pain may lead to muscle tension, decreased flexibility, and changes in posture, further exacerbating discomfort.

 

Emotional Impact:

Pain can trigger emotional responses such as frustration, irritability, anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness.

Chronic pain may lead to social withdrawal, isolation, and a decreased quality of life. When you feel that you have been dealt a bad hand take comfort in the bible verse below.

 

Psalm 30:5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

 

In the context of chronic pain, this verse means that this pain will not last forever because we know that we will be given a new body when Christ returns.

Revelation 21 verses 1- 4 states what will happen when He returns. It ends by telling us that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things will be no more.

What a wonderful promise!

 

Cognitive Impact:

Pain can impair concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, affecting cognitive function and productivity.

Chronic pain may contribute to cognitive decline and an increased risk of developing conditions such as dementia.

 

Social Impact:

Pain can strain relationships, limit social interactions, and hinder participation in social and recreational activities.

Individuals may experience stigma, misunderstanding, or skepticism regarding their pain experience, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation.

Research continues to shed light on the intricate mechanisms underlying pain perception, individual differences in pain experiences, and effective strategies for pain management. By recognizing the diverse causes and consequences of pain, healthcare providers can tailor treatment approaches to address the unique needs of each individual, promoting optimal physical, emotional, and social well-being.

 

Spiritual Impact:

Chronic pain can affect your spiritual life. When you ask, “Why me?” or wonder why God doesn’t deliver you from this terrible affliction you can begin to be angry or to doubt His goodness. Suffering excruciating pain may also cause the individual to draw closer to God as they pray, read their Bible, and seek solace from Him.

 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  (NIV)

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."

Even though you or a loved one may be suffering from pain you may be able to comfort others and encourage them because of the experience.

 

My Personal Experience with People’s Reaction to My Injury and Pain

You cannot touch pain or objectively measure it as far as I know. When people, including health professionals, cannot understand the cause of pain they may believe that you are faking it, exaggerating it, or that you are imagining that you have the pain. When I suffered a serious neck injury in a motor vehicle accident and was experiencing chronic pain and symptoms, my co-workers felt that nothing was wrong with me. They did not hesitate to make fun of me as I was wearing a neck brace, and some told me that they did not think it was serious. When I traveled as a wheelchair passenger on airlines, it was sometimes difficult to get help even when I explained the nature of my condition.

Years after I suffered that injury, a co-worker whom I had known since high school had an accident. She told me that her situation was not as serious as mine but when she felt the pain she said, “Oh my God! Is this what she was going through!”, referring to my situation. I thank God that I know better than to hold it against them. When you have never experienced something, it is sometimes difficult to conceptualize what it is. The nature of pain makes it even worse.

If you have a loved one or close friend who is suffering from excruciating pain, I implore you not to assume that they are lying or exaggerating as that attitude can affect the person. In addition, it affects them mentally and emotionally, especially at the outset, when they have to accept and adjust to the changes they have to make in their life. As a family member or friend, you may have to adjust too, but please try to show empathy to your loved one.

 

Challenges for Family Members, Friends, and Caregivers

The transition from seeing someone vibrant and independent to witnessing them struggle with pain, mood swings, and the inability to engage in activities they once enjoyed can evoke a range of emotions and present numerous challenges. Common challenges include:

 

For Family Members and Friends

 

1. Emotional Distress

Seeing a loved one in pain and distress can evoke a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, frustration, and helplessness. Witnessing their suffering and the inability to alleviate it can take a significant emotional toll on family members and friends.

2. Adjustment to New Roles

Family members and friends may find themselves thrust into unfamiliar roles as caregivers, advocates, and support systems for their loved ones. Adjusting to these new responsibilities and expectations can be overwhelming and require significant adaptation.

 

3. Strain on Relationships

The dynamics within relationships may undergo significant changes. Communication breakdowns, disagreements over care decisions, and feelings of resentment or guilt can strain relationships between family members and friends, leading to tension and conflict.

 

4. Loss of Connection

The injured individual's inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed can lead to a loss of connection and shared experiences within the family and social circles. Family gatherings, outings, and social events may be impacted, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness for both the injured individual and their loved ones.

 

5. Financial Pressure

The financial implications of caring for an injured loved one can be substantial. Medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to caregiving responsibilities can place a strain on family finances, leading to financial stress and uncertainty.

 

6. Balancing Responsibilities:

Family members and friends may struggle to balance their caregiving responsibilities with other aspects of their lives, such as work, relationships, and personal interests. The demands of caregiving can be all-consuming, leaving little time and energy for self-care and other obligations.

7. Guilt and Self-Blame:

Family members and friends may experience feelings of guilt and self-blame if an accident results in an injury causing pain.  They may question whether they could have prevented the accident or if they can do more to alleviate their loved one's suffering. These feelings can exacerbate emotional distress and impact their ability to provide effective support and care.

 

For Caregivers

 

Whether a caregiver is a family member, a friend, or is unrelated to the patient, challenges may arise. This may be difficult if the patient is having difficulty in coming to terms with their situation.  If the onset of pain is sudden, as in the case of an accident or a recent chronic illness, and they are losing their independence, they may not readily accept the limitations placed on them. They may even refuse help.

Caregivers often grapple with the delicate balance between respecting the individual's desire for independence and ensuring their safety and well-being. It can be challenging to convince the individual to accept help without compromising their sense of autonomy and dignity. Caregivers must create a safe and non-judgmental space for the individual to express their feelings and concerns, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration in the caregiving relationship.

Navigating these challenges requires caregivers to draw upon their professional skills, empathy, and resilience. They should maintain a patient-centered approach while prioritizing their own well-being, seek support from others, and maintain clear boundaries to prevent caregiver burnout. By approaching caregiving with compassion and understanding, caregivers can create a supportive environment that encourages acceptance, healing, and mutual respect.

 

Decision-making as it Relates to Pain Management

Experiencing chronic pain can be very crippling so we should always seek professional help and do what is necessary to alleviate it. In cases where you have to live with the pain for the rest of your life, you should learn how best to manage it. Once you know the root cause, research to get as much information about it as possible. You should not be scared to ask your doctor or healthcare professional questions about your condition and any treatment recommended. After all, it is your body, and you will have to live with the consequences of any action taken. This is far more important than many people realize. Some things once done cannot be reversed so it is better to take the time to understand what you are getting into before rushing into it.  

I know people who have followed their doctor's recommendations and ended up being okay and others who are having to live with serious regrets. Thorough research cannot be over-emphasized. You should:

 

1. Seek information about the cause of the pain and any related condition.

2. Thoroughly research the implications of any procedure or intervention recommended including – the level of experience and success rate of the professional who will carry it out and the facility where it will be done. Find out about the experiences of others who have had similar interventions by talking to people and researching online. Many people share their information on different platforms and forums. It is up to you to evaluate the information and draw your own conclusions.

3. Seek second and even third opinions.

4. Research the side effects of any medication recommended. There may be better choices.

 

Armed with this information you can make an informed decision. If your health insurance company will not pay for certain types of treatment, it is up to you to decide whether you are able or willing to pay out of pocket for certain products or therapies.

 

 

Part 2

In the second part of this 3-part series, which will be published next week, we will discuss some herbs that can be used for pain relief.

Disclaimer: Any information on conditions, illnesses, diseases, products, herbs, remedies, therapies, and treatments available via this blog is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals.