Pain management: this goes beyond the physical

When the word pain is mentioned, most of us think of something physical: shoulder pain, hip pain, headaches, back pain, fibromyalgia, etc… While these types of pain are certainly valid and should be addressed, there are other aspects to pain that cannot and should not be ignored. I’m talking about the emotional, mental, financial and spiritual aspects.

Depression is an emotional and mental type of pain that can manifest itself as physical pain. Research has been done, and studies are now showing a link between a history of abuse and trauma during childhood and chronic pain/inflammatory diseases that show up later in life. Can’t figure out why you’ve had abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, etc…? Have all the medical tests come back showing “nothing wrong”? Have you ruled out allergies, side effects of medications, or tried medications with no relief? If you can relate to any of what I just mentioned, maybe it’s time to look beyond the physical and dig a little deeper into what could possibly be at the root of your pain.

Believe me, as a Registered Nurse, I certainly know there is a place for medications, surgeries, and treatments. But if you are someone that is dealing with chronic pain or depression and you’re not finding relief through narcotics, anti-depressants, and/or sleeping pills, then maybe it’s time to look at trying a different approach, or reassessing if your current treatment plan is giving you the quality of life you want.

I will tell you this, there is no quick fix. I know in this day and age that doesn’t seem possible or very encouraging, but pain management, whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual is a long-term process. Yes, you can have shoulder surgery to relieve pain, but if you don’t do the suggested exercises, and quit or modify the activities that caused the shoulder pain in the first place, you’ll more than likely find yourself back in the same situation at some point.

Many times there is self- sacrifice involved…again, not what we want to hear. We may have to change the way we do things, or in some cases give things up all together…again, not what we want to hear. However, if we keep our focus on what we have to give up or sacrifice we will more than likely continue to be frustrated, discouraged and dependent on unhealthy coping skills to get us through the pain.

Here’s a thought…what might you have to gain if you were to do the work it takes to get to the root of the pain? I’ll tell you what you can gain; peace of mind, freedom, a sense of accomplishment, determination of your purpose, healing from old wounds, deeper more meaningful relationships, and HOPE. I would love nothing more than to help you sort through this process so you can experience life to the fullest!

The next Break the Cycle Pain Management Program begins Jan 17, 2017. Our local health care providers are aware of this program, and I am willing to partner with them in order to help you reach your fullest potential physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

If you have any questions, please call me at 293-3747 or email at liz@libbychristianchurch.com.

Liz Erickson is a Registered Nurse and is a Certified Biblical Counselor.