When Pain Shows Up, What You Do Next Matters

Contributed by Matthew Riordan, Professional Physical Therapy & Training

When pain shows up, it could be your back, neck, knees, shoulder or wherever. Your brain quickly jumps to the worst possible scenario with these thoughts running through your mind: “How did this happen? Is this going to get worse? I looked it up on Google and I think I have all of these things! What if I need surgery? Is there something I can buy on Amazon to make this better? Should I get an x-ray, CT Scan, MRI right away? I don’t want to take medication! Which is better—ice or heat? (It’s usually ice). Who do I even talk to about this?”

The anxiety can actually make you feel worse, but what you do next could help you avoid weeks of nagging or worsening pain. In my 20+ years of experience, I’ve found that people feel almost 30% better by following these steps:

1. DO NOT JUST WAIT AND SEE:

Waiting and seeing may lead to avoidable and more costly measures later on.

2. “RELATIVE REST” vs. “JUST REST”:

Keeping yourself moving is one of the best things that you can do, BUT you need to know the right DOSAGE OF ACTIVITY to allow the injury to heal. Like medications, too much can have serious side effects; not enough movement will not be effective and can make things worse.

3. IGNORE DR. GOOGLE:

The misinformation overload can have a detrimental effect on how you feel and delay your recovery.

4. DO SOME HOMEWORK:

Get a pad and pencil and write down as much as you remember or know about how your problem started and specific things that make it worse or better. A daily diary of your activities/symptoms can help guide you, serve as a gauge of improvement, limit confusion and be helpful when you see a specialist

5. FIND A SPECIALIST:

If you have pain when you are trying to move, are unable to sit or sleep comfortably or are missing out on a sport or activity, then seeing a physical therapist is a great place to start, especially if you do not want surgery, pain medications or invasive testing. Physical Therapists are specialists in human movement who thoroughly assess your condition and make a plan for recovery. They will also make specific referrals if testing, medication or surgical consult is required.

6. MAKE AND APPOINTMENT:

Have you gone to the doctor for a problem and once you arrive it already seems a lot better? The appointment commitment empowers you which will assuage your anxiety.

7. GET REAL ANSWERS:

Random and ever-growing questions can drive you crazy, take your mind off work, your family or other things you enjoy which ultimately magnifies the problem. Finding a specialist who will take the time to listen and answer your questions in a way that makes sense to you can be soooo relieving and empowering.

If you’re having pain when trying to move, sit or sleep comfortably or enjoy a sport or activity and would like your questions answered, we are here for you. Visit: www.FeelBetterWithPT.com