Differentiating Pain
September 10, 2024 | Benaroya Community Services, Health & Wellness, Kline Galland Home
September is Pain Awareness Month and time to recognize chronic pain and clarify when pain might be a sign of something serious. Pain is a part of life – but not all pain is created equal. There is a difference between “good” and “bad” pain, it’s important to speak to a professional to help seniors manage chronic pain effectively.
Chronic Pain and Aging
Chronic pain affects more than 51 million U.S. adults, or about one in five people; it’s estimated more than 50% of those 65 or older suffer from it. Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than “normal healing” time, usually more than several months. It can be continuous without break, or come and go, and may occur with a chronic condition like arthritis. At Kline Galland, our interdisciplinary teams work closely with each individual to manage chronic conditions, offering both medical treatment and alternative therapies.
“Good” vs. “Bad” Pain
While chronic pain requires medical attention, not all pain is a cause for concern. In fact, some pain can be considered “good,” as it signals the body’s natural response to physical activity or healing. However, distinguishing between good and bad pain is key to staying healthy. Here are some paired examples:
- Good: Feeling sore after a workout is a common sign that your muscles are adapting to new challenges. This type of pain is usually mild and fades within a day or two.
- Bad: If you experience soreness without any clear reason, or if it lingers for an extended period, it could be a sign of injury or underlying health issues.
- Good: A gentle stretch may cause mild discomfort, but this is your body’s way of increasing flexibility and mobility.
- Bad: A sharp, sudden pain during stretching or physical activity could indicate a strain, tear, or other serious injury.
- Good: Some discomfort as you recover from an injury is normal, as your body is working to heal.
- Bad: If pain persists long after an injury should have healed, it may be a sign of complications.
When to Seek Help
Our expert medical staff at Kline Galland can help you determine when pain requires further attention. If pain persists, worsens, or interferes with daily life, our team is ready to provide thorough evaluations and personalized care plans, whether you’re living in our community or receiving home health services. This Pain Awareness Month serves as a reminder to seek care and live with less pain through comprehensive support.
Listening to your body is the first step in recognizing when pain is more than just a temporary inconvenience. To help determine whether medical attention is needed, you can ask yourself these three questions:
- Is the pain lasting longer than expected? If pain persists for weeks without improvement, it may be time to seek advice from a healthcare provider.
- Is the pain getting worse? Pain that intensifies over time or spreads to other parts of the body can be a red flag for underlying conditions.
- Is the pain interfering with daily life? If pain is making it difficult to perform everyday tasks or enjoy activities, it’s essential to address the issue before it worsens.
By recognizing the difference between “good” and “bad” pain and knowing when to seek help, you can take control of your health and enjoy a better quality of life.
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Sources: CDC; Anesthesiology Clinics; NIH; John Hopkins; The Washington Post; Cleveland Clinic; Health Central
