Chronic pain often goes unnoticed in general discussions about health. Most people encounter pain as a brief, acute incident that resolves quickly. However, individuals suffering from chronic pain face a heavy burden that significantly impacts their quality of life and daily activities. Because many view pain as a temporary occurrence, they may develop misconceptions about those living with chronic pain, leading to judgment rather than compassion. As Christians, we must recognize these misunderstandings to reflect Jesus’s love and support for those in pain. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about chronic pain and the experiences of those suffering it.
1. It’s NOT All In Our Heads.
The quickest way to discourage someone with chronic pain is to tell them or imply that their pain is “all in their heads.” This misconception suggests that their pain is purely psychological. While our perception of pain can influence its intensity and severity, chronic pain is real!
People suffering from long-term pain often have to advocate fiercely for their doctors to provide a diagnosis so they can receive treatment. Even after getting diagnosed, they encounter stigmas around pain and its management, leading to delays in effective care.
Hearing dismissive comments from family or friends can be heartbreaking for those in pain. A simple way to reflect Christ to people living with chronic pain is to truly believe them when they express their suffering.
2. It May Be Invisible to You.
Depending on the reason for someone’s chronic pain, they can appear as a “normal” healthy person. Invisible disabilities make it difficult to grasp the struggles others face, sometimes leading to doubt about their suffering.
As someone who lives with chronic nerve and joint pain, I refuse to let it define my life. I choose to push through the pain and embrace life, even when it hurts, knowing I might face consequences later. When you look at me, you can’t see my joints slipping out of place or the pressure on my brain tissue that causes debilitating headaches and neck pain. You wouldn’t notice the scars on my body from multiple surgeries to correct these issues.
I urge everyone to treat others with kindness because we never truly know the battles they face—be it pain, illness, mental struggles, or a combination of challenges. Let’s set aside judgment and remember that we all fight our own battles. Encouragement always outweighs negativity!
3. Pain Medication Doesn’t Cure Chronic Pain.
While pain medications can provide relief for chronic pain, it certainly isn’t a cure. Pain is typically treated with a multi-pronged approach that can include pain medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. For instance, I use silicone cupping to reduce my daily pain levels. Check out my post about Silicone Cupping for more information. Pain medications, or opiates, are highly addictive and not ideal to be on for long amounts of time.
4. Exercise Can Do More Harm Than Good.
Physical exercise is vital for maintaining health, but it can be harmful for some individuals if not approached carefully. Those with chronic pain should consult a physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise plan that accommodates their specific needs.
In my case, exercising felt confusing until I received my diagnosis. I would work out and stretch, only to experience joint pain afterward. After connecting with a physical therapist specializing in hypermobility, I learned to focus on strengthening smaller stabilizing muscles to support my joints. This was crucial, as exercising like everyone else put me at risk of serious injury.
5. Chronic Pain Is a Long-Term Condition
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, pain that lasts for three months or longer is classified as chronic pain. After this duration, individuals start facing a daily challenge that demands adaptation. However, the experience of pain often begins long before those three months. Medical professionals may begin considering treatment at this point, but the pain itself remains. While it’s possible to reduce symptoms and manage pain to make it more tolerable, chronic pain stays present, constantly reminding us of our burden. It influences our movements, interactions, relationships, thoughts, plans, and feelings. Those living with chronic pain must adjust their lives to avoid suffering the consequences.
To Sum Up
Chronic pain often persists in a world filled with misunderstanding. If you don’t experience chronic pain, I appreciate your willingness to read this! I hope you can gain insights to share with others.
Remember that chronic pain is a significant and often invisible condition. Those living with it may not show visible signs of their struggle, but their pain is real and not simply psychological. Pain medications do not provide a cure, and suggesting exercise might not always be the best option. When you meet someone dealing with chronic pain, recognize that their experience is unique and complex. We cannot always see who is hurting, so showing empathy and understanding becomes essential. We should strive to emulate the compassion that Jesus demonstrated!
