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Originally posted via the Mayo Clinic News Network
Chronic pain can limit your quality of life and lead to additional health problems. Finding treatment is important, as is balancing pain relief and your safety.
Like any long-term problem, chronic pain often leads to complications beyond your physical symptoms such as new or worsened depression, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. The condition can make it more difficult to keep up at work, manage tasks at home and attend social gatherings. This could lead to problems in your relationship and financial instability.
The consequences of chronic pain make finding effective treatment critical. But this process is complex and personal. What works for one person's chronic low back pain may not relieve your osteoarthritis. Your diagnosis, biology and personal history all play a role, and finding pain therapies that bring you adequate relief can be a lengthy effort.
Working in partnership with your health care provider, however, you can identify treatments that enable you to live an enjoyable, fulfilling life.
Read more about Chronic pain and medication decisions
Watch Dr. Michael Hooten in Mayo Clinic Minute - Avoid opioids for chronic pain
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