We’ve all experienced it – a stubbed toe, an irritating neck ache, a sprained ankle from a fall down the stairs. If we were lucky, the pain subsided quickly or at least got better after a few days. For someone with chronic pain, however, it never fully goes away.

According to Gary Koehn, MD, a pain management specialist with Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, patients living with chronic pain can’t always function normally and their quality of life can be impaired. “Pain deprives them of living a regular life – such as fastening buttons on a shirt or raking the leaves outside,” Dr. Koehn says. However, seeking treatment at a pain management center can give sufferers the specialized help they need.

What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is a silent epidemic, affecting more people than one would imagine. According to the American Academy of Pain Management, 50 million Americans live with chronic pain – pain that lasts longer than six months. Sometimes chronic pain creates a chain reaction, because it can cause sufferers to lose the ability to lead active, functional lives. This can lead to poor sleep habits, a lack of energy and changes in mood. “Living in a constant state of pain can make you miss out on activities you once loved,” Dr. Koehn says.

The most common types of pain stem from:

• Neck and back pain
• Arthritis and musculoskeletal pain
• Pain related to cancer
• Nerve pain, such as shingles and diabetic neuropathy

Treatment for the whole person
Adults living with chronic pain can find relief at Adventist Midwest Health’s pain management program. “When your quality of life is affected by pain, it’s time to see your doctor,” Dr. Koehn says. “Chances are, there’s always something we can do to make the situation better.”

The goal of pain management is to address both the physical and psychological aspects of pain. This starts with a diagnosis. “Many patients walk through the door with pain but don’t know why,” Dr. Koehn says. “We try to identify the source so patients can receive proper care.”

Adventist Midwest Health offers patients a full range of diagnostic and non-surgical treatment options.

• Injections reduce inflammation, help doctors diagnose the location of the problem and aid in rehabilitation. Here, local anesthetics are injected into the pain site, such as a joint or muscle. If the pain goes away, doctors know they found the source and can then prescribe effective treatments. Because pain is reduced, physical therapists are able to rehabilitate the injured site more easily.
• Medications can lessen pain for the body and mind. For example, patients may be prescribed extra-strength painkillers to provide physical relief, but antidepressants can give them emotional relief.
• Physical therapy helps people regain their mobility and function. “Most chronic pain problems lead to loss of function,” Dr. Koehn says. With the help of a physical therapist, patients learn specialized exercises in order to rehabilitate and strengthen their injury.
• Psychological counseling starts the emotional healing process. This teaches patients how to cope with emotional problems associated with physical pain, such as depression.

Because pain affects people physically and psychologically, a multidisciplinary team is key. At Adventist Midwest Health, patients can find pain management specialists, neurologists, psychologists and physical therapists. “We work together to reduce patients’ pain and restore their function as much as possible,” Dr. Koehn says.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, don’t wait any longer. Call 866-533-7968 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced pain specialists.