Experts urge chronic pain patients to seek root causes

Chronic pain management in Davidson County is shifting away from a binary choice between enduring discomfort and taking strong medication. Local medical professionals advise patients to identify the specific source of their pain to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, explained that pain can originate from a damaged muscle, injured tissue, affected nerves, or a hypersensitive nervous system. She stated that treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Rogers noted that identifying the source can lead to non-pharmaceutical options such as targeted movement and stretching.

Sleep plays a critical role in pain management, a factor Rogers said is often overlooked. She observed that pain frequently disrupts sleep, but achieving high-quality rest can actually reduce pain levels if patients can reach that state. Inflammation also worsens conditions, so Rogers urged patients to look for the specific source of inflammation driving their symptoms.

Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, shared her experience with chronic back pain that began around age 50. She visited a chiropractor who eventually advised her to stop activities that aggravated the condition. His recommendations included wearing flat shoes instead of high heels, using an ergonomic cushion at her desk, and stopping running. O’Rourke said she was grateful for the guidance on what to avoid to improve her condition.

O’Rourke also consulted a physiatrist for a hip issue that worsened when climbing stairs. She was taught to sleep on her side with a pillow placed between her legs. She reported that she no longer experiences pain in that area. Physical therapy helps work the muscles around an injury, providing support during the healing process, O’Rourke added.

Gerontologist “Sam” Cradduck injured her lower back in her 20s and declined surgery after being told it was an option. Another doctor advised her to adjust her car seat position for relief. Cradduck listed several other pain relief methods, including acupuncture, dry needling, chiropractic care, cognitive behavior therapy, and massage therapy. She also described a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit used to loosen muscles. Dr. Rogers noted that several aesthetics places use similar machines to increase blood flow and improve mobility.

Katherine Ambrose, an aging well coach, said deconditioning can contribute to pain. She explained that a lack of exercise leads to weakness, creating a cascade of physical issues. Rogers emphasized the importance of movement, noting that it increases blood flow and makes daily functions easier. Cradduck advised that patients should not fear necessary medications, citing examples of 95-year-olds with hip replacements who declined prescriptions due to fear of addiction. The goal is not always to be completely pain-free, but to reach a level where pain does not interfere with daily living.