Learn more about chronic pain
Ways to cope and find treatment for chronic pain
While not everyone with myositis will experience chronic pain, it is estimated that roughly 40% do. A physician at Johns Hopkins Myositis Center told us that 50% of her patients present with muscle pain.
Some may experience chronic pain in association with overlap diseases such as Lupus, Sjogren’s, and/or Scleroderma. It can be hard to differentiate which illness is causing the pain, especially if you have myositis and fibromyalgia.
An important factor to note is that when treating pain, the goal is usually not to eliminate pain altogether unless possible. However, treatments can minimize the amount of pain patients experience.
Treating Pain
The goal of treating pain is usually to improve the patient’s experience and minimize pain.
Chronic pain can be treated by a pain management specialist, such as a physician anesthesiologist who has specific knowledge and understanding about the complex ways pain affects our body and mind.
There are many medications and therapies available to for pain including NSAID’s, opioids, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, along with other options such as acupuncture, electrical stimulation, psychotherapy, relaxation, and meditation therapy, biofeedback, and behavior modification.
For those with chronic pain, we have provided some helpful resources below.
From the American Society of Anesthesiologists
ASA is an educational, research and scientific society that works to elevate the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve patient care. Since 1905, ASA has played an important role in American medicine acting as an advocate for all patients who require anesthesia or relief from pain. Through our When Seconds Count® endeavor, we are committed to educating patients about their pain management options, including the appropriate use of opioids as well as safe and effective alternative treatments.
"It is estimated that 40% of people with Myositis experience chronic muscle pain"
Chronic Pain Resources
Helpful tips and articles on chronic pain
Chronic Pain Organizations
Chronic pain organizations and resources
Pain is like “A Car With Four Flat Tires”
2006 Voices of Chronic Pain Survey
Source: www.painmed.org/patientcenter/facts-on-pain/#america
77% Reported feeling depressed
59% Reported impact on enjoyment of life
86% Reported inability to sleep well
51% Reported feeling no control over pain
70% Reported trouble concentrating
74% Reported energy level affected by pain
Why people stop taking narcotics
Narcotics are sometimes the only effective way to manage chronic pain. However, severe constipation they cause may be a reason patients stop taking them.
Learn more about opioid-induced constipation by watching the video.
Also, there are new medications on the market that can help reduce constipation associated with narcotic medications.
