Chronic Pain And Covid-19: What You Need To Know

The world has clearly changed in the past few weeks with the COVID-19 pandemic. And people who suffer from chronic pain have an additional set of challenges.

So, if you are living with pain and are unsure how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect you specifically, read on to uncover what you need to know, and what you can do now to find long-term relief.

Chronic Pain Sufferers May Be in a High-Risk Group When It Comes to COVID-19

Every case of chronic pain is different and can stem from a myriad of root causes. This is why at ACELLerated Interverventional Orthopedics, we start all of our treatment plans with an in-depth and patient-focused consultation.

This consultation helps us to identify what will work best for your specific case of chronic pain. But, on the whole, patients with pain may be more susceptible to COVID-19. And if they contract the virus, may have:

• Heightened health issues
• Complications
• Consequences

This is because many types of pain can impact the immune system, which helps combat viruses like COVID-19. Also, chronic pain sufferers:

• May have underlying health issues.
• Maybe in a higher age bracket.
• May be on medications that impact the respiratory system, like steroids.

Opioids and Prescription Pain Relievers May Make Your Risks Higher

Recent studies found chronic pain patients taking opioids, and other pain relievers may have additional health issues if they contract COVID-19, as these patients are often at a higher risk of:

• Sedation
• Opioid-induced respiratory depression
• Increased mortality

As such, if you have thought about alternative treatments that address the root cause of your chronic pain, this is an ideal time to explore your options.

Stress and Inactivity

With stay-at-home guidelines and orders in effect throughout the country, activity levels are dropping while stress levels are rising.

Both of these situations can have impacts on your chronic pain, and you may notice that your condition and symptoms have increased in recent weeks, especially if your anxiety levels and depression are heightened.

There Are Smart Solutions!

Despite the extra challenges and risks that chronic pain patients experience in the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still smart solutions available to treat your pain at the source.

You can find long-term relief – without prescription drugs, and without invasive surgeries. Reach out to us at ACELLerated Interverventional Orthopedics.

We can work together to find interventional pain management solutions that provide relief, and which mitigate the COVID-19 risks associated with prescription painkillers and other common medications.

Regardless of what comes next, we are here to help you feel better! Contact us today. We’ll explore your many treatment options to ensure you stay as safe and healthy as possible for years to come.

Resources

• Image attribution.
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov
• https://www.psycom.net
• https://www.mayoclinic.org
• https://www.samhsa.gov