Are you aware of pain?

1 comment September 17th, 2008

This may sound like a silly question if you are experiencing pain, of course you are aware of your pain, but lucky people without pain may not give this a thought.  1/5th to 1/3rd of the United States population suffers with persistent pain.  It would be safe to assume that 1/5th to 1/3rd of the Northern Illinois population also suffers with persistent pain.  So, it is important for Northern Illinois to be aware of pain. 

Although treatments are available today to manage or greatly ease most pain, pain is undertreated.  Undertreated pain weakens the immune system and slows recovery from disease or injury.  Undertreated pain increases the workload on the heart.  Undertreated pain results in longer stays in the hospital, increased emergency room visits, and leads to unplanned clinic visits.  Uncontrolled pain ruins a persons quality of life; affecting almost every aspect of life including sleep, work, and social and sexual relations. 

Unfortunately, there are many barriers that prevent effective pain treatment.  Most healthcare professionals have little or no training in pain management.  Yet, pain is the number one reason people seek medical treatment.   People often believe that the opioid (morphine or morphine like substances) medications are addictive and produce euphoria.  It is a fact that when properly prescribed by a healthcare professional and taken as directed, these medications give relief-not a “high.”  There is not a physiologic measure of pain, so a person’s report of pain must be accepted.  These are only a few of the many barriers. 

Pain doesn’t discriminate.  Most likely it will affect you or someone you care about at some point in your life.  Pain relief has a positive impact on life and health.  It is imperative that effective pain management be a concern and a priority in Northern Illinois.  Responsibility for pain management lies with the person in pain and the healthcare team.  Communication and education are key.  You are invited to a FREE community event titled “Pain in Illinois-The State of Affairs” on Tuesday, September 23rd from 4:30-6pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St, Rockford.  Light refreshments and door prizes included.  Registration to 815-387-8310 appreciated.