Chronic pain: two words that can instill dread in anyone. If you’re battling persistent aches, you may fear it’s the beginning of a long-term struggle, but it does not have to be this way. 

“Sometimes patients think they need to wait until their pain becomes severe for it to warrant care. Physical therapists are happy to help at all stages of pain management. The sooner you get to us, the sooner we can get you back to doing what you love,” says Ashley Aliberti, PT, DPT, a dedicated physical therapist working at Luna Physical Therapy for 3 years.

Over 50 million Americans–20% of US adults–grapple with chronic pain, which dramatically impacts their quality of life. 

By recognizing early warning signs and grasping the basics of pain science, you can take proactive steps to address your aches before they become a persistent problem. Read on to learn how to avoid becoming another statistic and effectively manage your pain.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal of injury or illness, chronic pain often lingers beyond the normal healing process. It can significantly impact your daily life, affecting your sleep, mood, and ability to participate in activities you enjoy. Chronic pain can affect various parts of the body, including the back, neck, and joints, and can be influenced by a combination of physical, emotional, and environmental factors.

Early Signs of Chronic Pain

Early signs of chronic pain can vary, but some of the most common indicators include:

• Persistent Pain: Pain that lingers beyond the expected healing period, often lasting over three months.
• Intensity: Increasing pain intensity over time, even with rest and standard treatment.
• Emotional Changes: Feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability associated with ongoing pain.
• Location: Pain that spreads from its original location to other areas of the body.
• Daily Impact: Pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep.
• Fatigue: Chronic tiredness or fatigue that accompanies the pain.
• Physical Changes: Stiffness, decreased mobility, or noticeable changes in posture and movement.
• Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to touch, pressure, or temperature changes in the affected area.
• Dependency on Pain Relief: Increased reliance on pain medications or other relief methods without significant improvement.

“Although it is never too late to seek care, identifying the signs can help you realize what is normal healing, and what may warrant some extra attention from a professional,” notes Ashley Aliberti, PT, DPT.

Recognizing these early signs can help in seeking timely medical advice and intervention, potentially preventing the progression to chronic pain.

Risk Factors for Pain Becoming Chronic

Recognizing the risk factors for pain transitioning into a chronic condition is essential for early intervention. Here are some of the key factors that can contribute to chronic pain:

• Delayed Treatment: One of the primary risk factors for pain becoming chronic is delaying treatment. When pain is not addressed promptly, it can lead to prolonged inflammation and disability, making it more challenging to manage over time.
• Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate pain and contribute to its persistence. Lack of movement can weaken muscles, reduce flexibility, and increase the risk of developing chronic pain conditions.
• Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression are closely linked to chronic pain. Emotional distress can amplify pain perception and make it harder for the body to heal, creating a vicious cycle of pain and emotional turmoil.
• Pre-existing Health Conditions: Individuals with conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or fibromyalgia are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic pain. Inflammation, nerve dysfunction, muscle weakness and stiffness are just some of the factors that can contribute to persistent pain with these conditions. 
• Poor Ergonomics: Improper posture and ergonomics, whether at work or home, can strain muscles and joints, leading to chronic pain. Ensuring your workspace is set up correctly and taking regular breaks to move your body can help mitigate this risk.

Understanding Pain Science

Pain science, a field that explores how our bodies perceive pain, how it affects us physically, and how the brain works during the experience, can be a beacon of hope. It reveals that chronic pain is not just a physical sensation but an interconnection of biological, psychological, and social factors. When people better understand how pain works in their bodies, it often eases their fears and provides hope for relief. This understanding has led to more comprehensive approaches to pain management, including physical therapy.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Understanding the science behind pain emphasizes the significance of early intervention in preventing acute pain from becoming chronic. Promptly seeking help from a physical therapist at the onset of pain reduces the likelihood of it persisting. Because they understand the science behind pain, physical therapists create personalized treatment plans that address the root causes of your aches, not just the symptoms, helping to prevent long-term discomfort and improve your quality of life. 

Why Choose In-Home Physical Therapy with Luna

With Luna’s in-home physical therapy, you can be confident that a board-certified physical therapist will effectively address your pain. You’ll receive expert physical therapy services in the comfort of your own home, with a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

“Whether your pain is still in the acute stage or has progressed to chronic, a physical therapist can help you. In-home therapy allows me to focus on creating a plan completely tailored to the individual and their environment,” says Ashley Aliberti, PT, DPT.

The benefits of in-home physical therapy with Luna include:

• Convenience: No need to travel to a clinic, saving time and effort.
• Personalized Care: One-on-one attention from a licensed physical therapist.
• Comfort: Receive treatment in a familiar and relaxed environment.
• Flexibility: Schedule appointments at times that work best for you.

Don’t wait – take proactive steps towards a pain-free future today. Learn more about Luna and book your in-home physical therapy session with ease.