Pain specialists urge patients to seek root causes over heavy medication
Medical experts in a recent broadcast argue that chronic pain management requires identifying specific physical triggers rather than relying solely on pills.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Patients living with chronic pain often face a binary choice: endure the discomfort or rely on strong medication. Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, argues that this dichotomy leaves out critical treatment options. She states that effective care begins with identifying the specific origin of the pain before selecting a therapy.
Rogers explains that pain sources vary widely. It may stem from damaged muscle, injured tissue, nerve damage, or a nervous system that is overly sensitive. She notes that the treatment plan depends entirely on which of these factors is at play. For some patients, the solution involves simple adjustments like movement and stretching rather than pharmaceutical intervention.
Sleep quality emerges as another overlooked factor in pain management. Rogers acknowledges that pain frequently disrupts rest, but she contends that achieving good sleep can actively reduce pain levels. She suggests that improving sleep habits is a viable path to better daily function for many individuals.
Aging expert Amy O’Rourke shares her personal experience with chronic back pain. She consulted a chiropractor who eventually advised her to stop certain activities rather than continue with adjustments. His recommendations included quitting high heels, using an ergonomic cushion at work, and stopping running. O’Rourke says she valued his guidance on what to avoid.
O’Rourke also sought help from a physiatrist for a hip issue. The doctor observed that stairs worsened her pain. He taught her to sleep on her side with a pillow placed between her legs. She reports that this specific positional change eliminated her pain entirely.
Gerontologist Sam Cradduck injured her lower back in her 20s. She was offered surgery but declined. Another doctor advised her to push her car seat forward. Cradduck lists several non-invasive options for pain relief, including acupuncture, dry needling, cognitive behavior therapy, and massage. She also describes the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation units, which help loosen muscles.
Rogers notes that several aesthetic clinics now use similar machines. She says these devices increase blood flow and aid mobility. Patients report being able to move their arms more freely, which helps reduce pain. Rogers emphasizes that inflammation can worsen pain, so identifying and treating the source of inflammation is essential.
Aging well coach Katherine Ambrose points to deconditioning as a major contributor. She explains that a lack of exercise leads to weakness, which creates a cascade of physical issues. Rogers agrees that movement is vital because inactivity causes stiffness. She says moving increases blood flow and makes physical tasks easier. Physical therapy can also help strengthen muscles around an injury to provide support during healing.
Cradduck advises patients not to fear medication when it is necessary. She says she has seen 95-year-olds with hip replacements decline prescribed drugs due to fear of addiction. However, she notes the goal is not always total pain freedom. She asks patients to consider how much pain they can live with while maintaining a normal life. She stresses that concern is needed only when pain interferes with daily living. Ambrose adds that people often accept pain as a normal part of aging, even when it is not.
