3 Myths About Pain

 Most people have experienced acute, or temporary, pain at some point. This is a protective response to tissue injury that usually resolves as the body heals. However, for 1 in 5 people worldwide (with 1 in 4 in Canada), pain persists for over three months, and it becomes chronic. 

When pain becomes chronic, it can be overwhelming, and there is no right or wrong way to act. People’s perceptions of what chronic pain looks like differ, and many come from simply not being educated about it. Since I’ve had chronic pain, I have come across many people who have made assumptions and passed judgements about me based on what they see in the media, and any other falsehoods, inaccurate information and opinions they may have about chronic pain. 

Here are 3 common myths that people living with chronic pain often face:

If someone doesn’t look or act like they’re in pain, it can’t be that bad. Chronic pain is an invisible chronic illness, an unseen demon, and to be in constant pain and at your lowest point, and not be believed by doctors or even loved ones, is one of the hardest things to experience. You may look the same, but you are not the same. I am lucky in that my family doctor did listen to me and believed me when things weren’t healing right. Most people who suffer from chronic pain, minimize the impact and severity that chronic pain is having on them. My doctor knew that if I was saying a, b and c, that it was affecting me 10 times worse than what I was saying. He was also very well versed in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and knew just how bad it was. To look at me, I don’t necessarily look disabled, or that I’m in crippling pain 24/7. I shove all that distress down inside me so that I appear as normal as possible.  But, in doing that, it has not done me any favours. 

They went to work, or an event, so they can’t be in that much pain. There is no point in the day or night when I don’t feel pain. The result is I have to weigh every tiny decision in my life and ask myself, is it worth it? Is what I want to do worth the recovery time or added pain? That answer usually has to do with the kind of day that I’m having. If it’s a good day, and my pain is manageable, then the answer is almost always yes. If it’s a bad day, and I’m having to take things moment by moment, just to get through the day, then the decision is harder. I don’t like missing out on doing things, and on the bad days, sometimes the answer is to do something to take your mind off it. But other times, the fallout is just too much and I don’t have the mental capacity to manage the additional pain and recovery it is likely to cause me.

The impact of chronic pain is only physical. The thing with chronic pain is that it doesn’t just affect your body, it affects your mental wellbeing too. In order to survive, you’ve got to give both equal attention. It also impacts your relationships with people. Chronic pain can be caused by underlying diseases or disorders, or it may result from an injury or accident. Regardless of its origin, it can significantly disrupt daily life. Beyond physical discomfort, chronic pain can interfere with the ability to work, attend social activities, and have relationships, leading to feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety.

Living with chronic pain is a complex journey that requires understanding, empathy, and support. By challenging common misconceptions and recognizing the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, we can create a more compassionate and informed environment for those affected. It's essential to remember that chronic pain is not just a physical condition but also a mental and emotional burden. By advocating for increased awareness and access to appropriate resources, we can help individuals with chronic pain navigate their challenges and improve their quality of life.

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